Margibi County — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called for a new generation of ethical, inclusive and action-oriented leaders as the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa) officially launched its 13th Cohort in Liberia.
By Patience M. Jones
The call was made by UNDP Resident Representative to Liberia, Aliou Mamadou Dia, during the opening ceremony held Tuesday at the Royal Ambassador Hotel in Unification Town along the Roberts International Airport Highway in Margibi County.
Addressing more than 150 emerging political and civic leaders from across Africa, Mr. Dia challenged participants to embrace values-driven leadership and play an active role in shaping the continent’s future.
“Africa’s future depends on the leadership choices of its young people,” Mr. Dia said.
“Young people are not just beneficiaries of development—they are its drivers. You are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are the leaders of today.”
Speaking during the weeklong leadership program, Mr. Dia noted that Africa is at a defining moment, with more than 70 percent of its population under the age of 30.
He stressed that the continent’s progress depends on young leaders who uphold integrity, accountability, transparency, and service in public life.
“Leadership is defined by integrity, accountability, transparency, and service. These are not abstract ideals—they are the foundation of progress,” he stated.
The UNDP Resident Representative further emphasized that inclusive governance and meaningful youth participation are critical to strengthening democratic institutions across Africa.
According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved when institutions are strong, inclusive, and trusted by the people they serve.
The call for ethical leadership comes as Liberia hosts the 13th Cohort of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa), a flagship leadership development initiative designed to bridge the gap between youth potential and political leadership.
Held from June 8–13, 2026, under the theme: “Empowering the Future: From Learning to Leadership for Africa’s Agenda 2063,” the program brings together young leaders from across the continent for intensive training in governance, ethical leadership, civic engagement, public policy and digital democracy.
Despite Africa’s youthful population, young people remain significantly underrepresented in decision-making processes, with less than three percent of parliamentarians across the continent under the age of 30.
YPLS Africa seeks to address this challenge by equipping participants with political knowledge, practical leadership skills, ethical grounding, policy engagement tools, and long-term mentorship opportunities.
Since its establishment in 2016, YPLS Africa has trained more than 1,200 young leaders from across Africa.
Many of its alumni have gone on to serve in government institutions, political parties, civil society organizations, advocacy groups, and other leadership positions within their respective countries.
UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to advancing youth empowerment, democratic governance and inclusive development across Africa.
The organization emphasized that sustainable progress depends on leaders who prioritize people-centered governance, integrity, accountability, and social inclusion.
Mr. Dia encouraged participants to lead with courage, purpose, and conviction. “Do not wait for permission to lead. Lead where you are,” he urged. “Africa’s future is not waiting—it is already being written.”
About YPLS Africa
The Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa) is a premier leadership development initiative dedicated to preparing emerging political and civic leaders through political education, mentorship, practical engagement and values-based leadership training.
Founded in Liberia in 2016, the program has evolved into a Pan-African platform committed to strengthening democratic governance and empowering young leaders to drive positive change across the continent.
