Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) in association with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has ended a one-day technical validation workshop and Development Pathway Dialogue on the Drivers of Sustainable and inclusive development or (DoD) study in Liberia in an effort toward sustainable and inclusive development.
Liberia and partners have started a Study on the Future Drivers of Sustainable and inclusive Development. Under the direction of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Liberia’s government has demonstrated great ownership and leadership in this effort.
Following the completion of the zero draft report and a revised draft, both of which drew insightful comments and input from important stakeholders including government agencies, CSOs, NGOs, UN agencies, CPG, and other development partners, the zero draft has been improved to generate final drafts of two reports – the Thematic Analysis Report and Development Pathways report.
These studies seek to offer thorough analysis in line with the ARREST agenda to guide the creation of county agendas and the National Development Plan.
Technical validation and communication on the development route to produce an acceptable report were needed with the production of the final drafts.
Concurrent with the road map for completing the study, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) organized a Development Pathway conversation on September 11, 2024 and a last technical validation workshop.
With an eye on determining the main elements influencing Liberia’s path toward inclusive and sustainable development, the “Study on the Future Drivers of Sustainable and Inclusive Development in Liberia” (DoD)
Focusing on intervention areas in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such human development, economic and social well-being, political and economic integration, governance, and resilience to stressors, shocks, and crises, the study probes several spheres of the economy and society.
The main objective of the research is to pinpoint present development possibilities, obstacles, and points of access for radical transformation.
It looks for catalytic drivers and routes for socio-economic changes that might significantly move toward inclusive and sustainable development. The DoD study aims to provide a thorough and useful paper that might guide policy decisions in many spheres of life including the economy and diverse sectors.
In his introductory remarks, Mr. Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah, UNDP Resident Representative to Liberia, thanked all partners including the UN agency, local and international organizations for their insightful comments during the study.
Ohemeng-Boamah, a.As a DoD final drift reflecting an accumulation of thorough independent and impartial study, I observed it was imperative to reassemble and assess what has been generated.
The UNDP Resident Representative advised attendees to go over the reports, spot areas of need, contribute data, update what already exists, and offer opinions on the suggested road map and recommendations from the results.
According to him, the DoD study aims to identify the fundamental elements influencing Liberia’s path towards inclusive and sustainable development.
He clarified that the study’s goals include determining, from several thematic pillars, present and possible drivers of development in Liberia. Examining possible synergies, conflicts, and trade-offs that might arise in using the drivers of growth and development, outlining major obstacles that impede progress within each thematic pillar, and investigating important “entry points” or transforming strategies that might help to promote inclusive and sustainable development.
“This initiative is a response to the collectively committed government and partners to leverage and build upon the relevant lessons learned from the development and implementation of previous development plans and to lay the foundation and provide relevant inputs to the new development plan”.
In comments, Ms. Tanneh Brunson, Deputy Minister for Budget at the Ministry of Finance, said the government of Liberia is hopeful the workshop will help create a strong and inclusive development plan capable of driving sustainable growth and enhancing the general quality of living of the people of Liberia. Madam Brunson praised all stakeholders on the degree of cooperation and thanked UNDP for leasing the process.
Not forgotten in this plan are the vulnerable individuals, women, children, and persons with impairments. She stated that the future phase of development planning for the national government and development partners will be much informed by the report.
Starting at Liberia’s Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) request, supported by financial and development partners, the study has been carried out by an independent company called the Data-Pop Alliance.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hired the firm on behalf of the partners. The study design and methodology were co-created with national and international experts, ensuring the reliability and credibility of the study findings and proposed pathways.
The session will also concentrate on co-creating feasible solutions using a prioritizing method for the agreed paths of action. High-level talks, presentations, and breakout group sessions to promote communication and teamwork followed the event.
Reported By: Simeon S. Wiakanty
Contact: +231881538878
