Monrovia, Liberia – Dr. Mady Biaye, the resident representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Liberia, has emphasized the importance of the media in promoting the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action, stressing that journalists are essential collaborators in promoting gender equality, reproductive health, and sustainable national development.
Speaking at the opening of a one-day orientation workshop for members of the Liberia Media Network for Championing the ICPD Agenda on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the One UN House in Monrovia, Dr. Biaye stated that the presence of media professionals reflects a shared commitment to improving sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all Liberians.
“It is my honor and pleasure to welcome you to this important workshop. Your presence here signifies the meaningful partnership we share in ensuring a sustainable future through sexual and reproductive health and rights,” he said.
He points out that SRHR, population, and development are important pillars for attaining improvements in society and the economy rather than abstract ideas. He reiterated UNFPA’s worldwide mission to guarantee that every pregnancy is desired, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
Dr. Biaye emphasized the agency’s three transformative goals ending gender-based violence and harmful practices, ending preventable maternal deaths, and ending the unmet need for family planning and stated that the media has a strong platform to increase public awareness and advocacy for these important causes.
The meeting, according to the UNFPA Resident Representative in Liberia, was a calculated attempt to improve cooperation with bloggers, journalists, and social media influencers who have shown a desire to cover topics linked to UNFPA’s work.
“We have identified potential champions within Liberia’s media landscape, professionals who are committed to advocacy, investigative reporting, storytelling, and responsible digital engagement on UNFPA’s mandate.“
He emphasized that while covering populations at risk, all reporting should follow the “do no harm” concept.
Dr. Biaye further stressed that data and evidence are the foundation of UNFPA’s work, assisting the government in carrying out surveys, research, and censuses that inform investment and policy choices. “Reliable, disaggregated population data is the foundation for national development planning and governance,” he added.
Dr. Biaye called for a “whole-of-society” approach, stating that UNFPA still values collaborations with the government, civil society, religious leaders, and the media to advance sustainable and inclusive development. He urged attendees to make the most of the workshop in order to improve cooperation and guarantee that media coverage will continue to have a revolutionary impact on the advancement of the ICPD agenda in Liberia.
“Let us work together to build a future where every individual especially women and girls can live with dignity, safety, and equal opportunity,” he narrated.
Presentations on UNFPA’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality, end all forms of gender-based violence and harmful practices, end unmet family planning needs, end adolescent and youth participation and leadership, policy, advocacy, resource mobilization, partnership, and strategic communication, among other topics, were given throughout the daylong event.
Reported by: Prince Saah
