By Amos Harris
The United Nations in Liberia has reinforced its commitment to inclusive national development by strengthening collaboration with the Government of Liberia, civil society, the media, and ordinary citizens under a unified “One UN” approach aimed at accelerating progress across the country. At a high-level media engagement held at the Kofi Annan Conference Room on April 21, 2026, senior UN officials outlined how the global body’s 24 agencies, both resident and non-resident, are working collectively under a single strategic blueprint known as the United Nations Cooperation Framework (2026–2030). This framework serves as the UN’s roadmap for supporting Liberia’s national development priorities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Resident Coordinator’s Office, Margaret K. Kolabic emphasized that the UN system in Liberia is no longer operating in isolated silos but rather as a unified entity leveraging partnerships and shared resources to maximize impact. Kolabic explained that the UN in Liberia works as one system, and that their collaboration extends beyond UN agencies to include the Government of Liberia, civil society organizations, development partners, and most importantly, the Liberian people. She stated that this Cooperation Framework is their collective commitment to support national priorities in a coordinated and effective way. She highlighted that the framework aligns directly with Liberia’s national development agenda, ensuring that UN interventions complement government-led initiatives while addressing critical development gaps.
Kolabic further underscored that the Cooperation Framework was developed through an extensive and inclusive consultation process that engaged a wide cross-section of stakeholders, including government institutions, development partners, youth groups, women’s organizations, persons living with disabilities, and the media. She noted that this is not just a UN document; it reflects the voices and aspirations of the Liberian people. She added that they spent over a year evaluating past programs, identifying lessons learned, and shaping a strategy that responds to real needs on the ground.
The UN’s presence in Liberia dates back to 2003, when the United Nations Mission in Liberia was established following the end of the country’s civil conflict. Since then, the UN has transitioned from peacekeeping to long-term development support, focusing on governance, economic growth, human rights, and social inclusion. Today, the UN system operates under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, who serves as the highest representative of the organization in the country, distinct from individual agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme, which remains one of several agencies contributing to the broader development agenda.
A key pillar of the Cooperation Framework is its emphasis on inclusivity and the principle of leaving no one behind. This approach prioritizes marginalized and vulnerable populations, ensuring that development efforts reach communities at the grassroots level. Kolabic explained that this means focusing on those who are often overlooked, such as women, young people, persons with disabilities, and rural communities. She noted that their success is measured not just by policies, but by real changes in people’s lives. She illustrated this impact through community-level interventions, where UN-supported programs have empowered individuals, particularly women, with skills and resources to start small businesses, support their families, and send their children to school.
The engagement also highlighted the critical role of the media as a strategic partner in development. UN officials stressed that journalists are essential in translating complex policy frameworks into accessible information that resonates with ordinary citizens. Kolabic told participants that they are the bridge between development institutions and the public, and that their reporting shapes understanding, promotes transparency, and strengthens accountability. The session formed part of a broader initiative by the UN to build the capacity of Liberian journalists in covering development issues. Participants were encouraged to engage more actively with UN agencies, seek data-driven insights, and report accurately on development programs and their impact.
Also speaking at the event, Lovett Weah of the United Nations Development Programme emphasized the importance of inclusive communication, particularly through digital platforms. He called for greater efforts to ensure that information reaches all segments of society, including persons living with disabilities. Meanwhile, Press Union of Liberia President Julius Kanubah praised the UN for its continued investment in media development, noting that such initiatives strengthen the professionalism and effectiveness of the Liberian press. Kanubah said that this kind of engagement enhances their ability to report responsibly and contribute meaningfully to national development.
UN officials acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, challenges remain. They called for stronger collaboration with journalists not only during program launches but throughout the entire project cycle, from planning and implementation to monitoring and evaluation. The organization also urged the media to play a dual role by celebrating successes while critically examining areas where improvements are needed. Kolabic stated that they want the media to hold them accountable, adding that five years from now, they expect the media to look back and assess whether they have delivered on their commitments.
As Liberia continues its development journey, the UN’s renewed focus on partnership, transparency, and inclusivity signals a strengthened approach to achieving sustainable progress. Through the Cooperation Framework, the United Nations aims to consolidate its efforts, align with national priorities, and deliver measurable results that improve the lives of all Liberians, ensuring that no one is left behind.
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