Monrovia – The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, the European Union, the Government of Ireland, the Government of Sweden and the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), has concluded a two-day consultative meeting aimed at reconvening the Inter-Party Youth Council (IPYC) of Liberia.
The gathering brought together youth leaders from 15 registered political parties to review and validate the governance framework and foundational documents that will guide the formal re-establishment and operation of the council.
Speaking at the close of the event, Federation of Liberian Youth Secretary General, Rosetta Fardolo, described the initiative as a significant step toward fostering unity among politically affiliated young people across Liberia.
“Over the last two days, we brought together youth leaders from 15 political parties to review the governance framework and foundational documents that will guide the formal establishment of the Inter-Party Youth Council of Liberia,” Fardolo said.
She noted that despite constituting the majority of Liberia’s population, young people remain among the country’s most marginalized groups due largely to divisions along political lines.
“For too long, young people in political parties have fought each other across party lines instead of uniting around the issues that affect all of us. That has weakened our collective power,” she stated.
According to Fardolo, the council seeks to shift the focus of young people from partisan conflicts to common challenges such as unemployment, limited opportunities, and social inequalities.
“Unemployment does not ask for your party card. Neither does opportunity. Neither does hardship. This is why we are forging this collaboration to deliver for young people. The future is not red, blue, green, or any party color,” she emphasized.
Also addressing participants, Inter-Party Youth Council Secretary General, Clarence Cole, outlined the council’s constitutional framework, mission, and long-term vision.
Cole stressed that the IPYC is not merely a project or temporary coalition but a legally constituted institution recognized under Liberian law.
“We are not a group. We are an institution. We are not a project. Rather, we are an organized body legally constituted to advance the interests of young people across political divides,” he said.
Referencing the council’s constitution, Cole explained that the organization was founded by youth representatives of registered political parties who committed themselves to promoting democratic governance, youth empowerment, national unity and Pan-African ideals.
He revealed that the council has been legally incorporated and registered, making it a recognized entity capable of carrying out its mandate independently.
“We are independent, non-profit, and non-partisan. The Inter-Party Youth Council exists to advance the interests of Liberia’s young people rather than the interests of any individual or political party,” he noted.
Cole highlighted five core objectives of the council, including increasing youth participation in governance, strengthening democratic accountability, promoting inter-party dialogue, preventing political violence, and advocating for greater youth inclusion in national development processes.
One of the council’s major priorities, he said, is reducing political violence among young people.
“Historically, young people have often been used as tools for political violence. Through the Inter-Party Youth Council, we are saying no to violence and yes to peaceful engagement and issue-based politics,” Cole declared.
He further explained that the council’s operations would be guided by principles of democratic accountability, transparency, political tolerance, peaceful engagement, and unity in diversity.
“We may belong to different political parties, but we share one common goal — advancing the welfare and interests of Liberia’s young people,” he added.
Meanwhile, Prince Dunbar, Director of Political Affairs at the National Elections Commission (NEC), commended the initiative and encouraged members of the council to embrace inclusive leadership and gender balance in their activities and decision-making processes.
Dunbar stressed that meaningful youth participation in democratic governance must be accompanied by equal opportunities for young women and marginalized groups.
Speaking on behalf of the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, Darren Dormah praised the cordial atmosphere and spirit of collaboration demonstrated by youth leaders from different political parties throughout the consultations.
Dormah noted that the renewed engagement among political youth leaders reflects a growing commitment to dialogue, peacebuilding, and democratic participation.
He expressed optimism that the reconstituted Inter-Party Youth Council would serve as a platform for promoting constructive engagement among young people while contributing to national peace, stability, and democratic development.
The two-day consultation forms part of ongoing efforts by national and international partners to strengthen democratic institutions, enhance youth participation in governance, and foster peaceful political engagement in Liberia.
