As YPLS Africa Cohort 13 Kick-Off in Liberia
Reported by: Naneka Hoffman
Margibi County – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called for a new generation of ethical, inclusive, and action-orientated leaders as the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa) Cohort 13 officially opened in Monrovia. UNDP Resident Representative in Liberia, Aliou Mamadou Dia, stressed in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony that Africa’s transformation is dependent on the leadership decisions made by its youth.
UNDP Resident Representative in Liberia, Aliou Mamadou Dia
“Young people are not just beneficiaries of development; they are the drivers. You are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are the leaders of today,” he said.
Speaking to more than 150 emerging and promising young African political and civic leaders, Mr. Dia emphasized that the continent is in a critical period, with over 70% of its population under 30. He urged all in attendance to adopt values-based leadership. Integrity, accountability, transparency, and service are characteristics of leadership. “These are the cornerstone of progress, not only abstract aspirations,” he said.
Mr. Dia also highlighted the importance of inclusive government and youth involvement in strengthening democratic institutions, pointing out that development is successful when institutions are robust, inclusive, and trusted by the populace.
The 13th Cohort of the Young Political Leadership School Africa, a premier programme aimed at bridging the gap between youth promise and political leadership, is being held in Liberia at the time of the call to action. The programme, which takes place from June 8–13, 2026, with the theme “Empowering the Future: From Learning to Leadership for Africa’s Agenda 2063″,unites young leaders for intense training in digital democracy, ethical leadership, governance, and civic engagement.
Despite Africa’s youthful population, young people remain significantly under-represented in decision-making, with less than 3 percent of parliamentarians under 30. YPLS Africa is addressing this gap by:
• Equipping participants with Political knowledge and practical leadership skills,
• Ethical grounding to navigate complex governance systems,
• Tools for policy influence and civic engagement and
• Mentorship and long-term leadership support
Over 1,200 young leaders have been taught by the programme since its founding in 2016. Many of these leaders according to records, currently hold positions in African governments, political parties, and civil society.
UNDP reiterated its dedication to inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and democratic resilience, emphasizing that leaders that put people, integrity, and inclusion first are essential to sustainable development. Mr. Dia challenged participants to lead with courage and purpose as he concluded. “Take the initiative without waiting for approval. Lead from where you are. Africa’s future is currently being written, not waiting.”
Through political education, mentoring, and hands-on experience, the Young Political Leadership School of Africa is a leadership development program committed to creating a new generation of moral and responsible leaders.
