Monrovia, Liberia – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) have held talks with the goal of establishing and strengthening cooperation in order to improve journalism and media institutions in Liberia. The meeting, which took place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the UN Headquarters in Monrovia, gave both organizations a chance to discuss potential areas of collaboration and shared interest.
PUL President Julius Kanubah stressed the need of a free, independent, and professional media in promoting democratic governance and national development during the engagement. He pointed out that maintaining freedom of expression necessitates ongoing investments in institutional capacity, ethical journalism, and journalist welfare and safety.
Mr. Kanubah emphasized that bolstering trustworthy journalism is crucial to fostering public trust, dispelling false information, and guaranteeing that citizens have access to accurate and impartial information in a changing information landscape. He emphasised the significance of enabling the media to carry out its watchdog function in an efficient manner, encouraging accountability, openness, and inclusive public dialogue.
He also emphasized the importance of forming strategic alliances with development actors like UNDP in order to further common goals, such as enhancing media institutions, fostering ethical standards, increasing opportunities for up-and-coming journalists in Liberia, and developing journalists’ capacity.
Aliou Mamadou Dia, the UNDP Resident Representative, responded by praising the potential for cooperation and pointing out that UNDP is still open to collaborations that promote capacity building and open doors for journalists and media organisations throughout Liberia.
He emphasized the vital role that the media plays in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through responsible and impactful reporting, stressing that a robust media industry directly supports accountability, transparency, and educated public conversation.
The United Nations Cooperation Framework, a five-year strategic plan centered on three major priority areas human capital development, good governance and the rule of law, and economic development and sustainability is implemented in Liberia by UNDP and other United Nations agencies operating under the “One UN” framework.
The Press Union of Liberia was established in 1964 and acts as the national organization for media outlets and journalists. In order to enhance media development and democratic government, it has supported press freedom, bolstered journalists’ rights, encouraged capacity building, and cultivated relationships and communication over the years.
