By Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh
Monrovia, Liberia – June 18, 2026: ActionAid International Secretary General, Arthur Larok, has challenged Liberian youth to reject the long-standing narrative that they are merely the “leaders of tomorrow” and instead demand meaningful participation in leadership and decision-making processes today.
Speaking during a dialogue with youth movements at ActionAid Liberia’s headquarters in Monrovia, Mr. Larok urged young people to recognize their power, organize collectively, and claim their rightful place at decision-making tables across Liberia.
I want you to get rid of this notion and lie that you are future leaders, Larok told the gathering. He pointed out that for decades, those who tell youth they are the future have continued to occupy leadership positions while young people remain excluded, living their own future while the youth are still waiting.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Federation of Liberian Youth, Liberia National Students Union (LINSU), Activista Liberia, Young Urban Women’s Movement, Cycles Liberia, Youth Bridge, and the Youth Humanitarian Movement. Participants shared their achievements, challenges, and aspirations while discussing ways ActionAid International can strengthen support for youth-led advocacy and development initiatives.
Highlighting the gap between Liberia’s youthful population and its representation in governance, Larok questioned why young people continue to be underrepresented in key decision-making institutions. He noted that young people account for more than 70 percent of Liberia’s population, yet they represent only a small fraction of Parliament and Cabinet positions. He reminded the audience that they are the largest voting bloc, noting that politicians come to them when they need votes, but questioned where they are when final decisions are being made.
He emphasized that Liberian youth possess the innovation, intelligence, creativity, and energy necessary to drive national development and should not wait for invitations to participate in leadership. You make leaders, you shape elections, and you influence communities, he added, stating clearly that youth should already be at the table rather than waiting to be invited.
Participants welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with the ActionAid International Secretary General, sharing concerns about unemployment, limited economic opportunities, shrinking civic space, and deep barriers to youth participation in governance. The dialogue also explored opportunities for strengthening youth movements, advancing gender equality, promoting civic engagement, and building collective action to address the challenges facing young people in Liberia.
The engagement forms part of Arthur Larok’s official visit to Liberia from June 15–19, 2026. During the visit, he is meeting with government institutions, civil society organizations, youth and women’s movements, United Nations agencies, development partners, and ActionAid Liberia staff to assess the organization’s impact, strengthen partnerships, and explore opportunities for advancing human rights, gender justice, climate resilience, and locally led development.
As ActionAid continues to champion youth leadership and social justice, the meeting reaffirmed a powerful message: Liberia’s young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow—they are leaders today, and their voices, ideas, and leadership are essential to shaping the country’s future.
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