Theme: “Green City 4 Peace: Youth in Action. Transforming Waste into Hope, Climate Change Action, and Peace” In partnership with Conservation International’s Blue Ocean Project
Monrovia, Liberia – The Platform for Dialogue and Peace (P4DP), in collaboration with Conservation International’s Swedish Embassy-funded Blue Ocean Project, is proud to launch “Green City – Empowering Vulnerable Youth,” a new initiative grounded in the belief that environmental action can pave the way for peace, inclusion, and opportunity.
Under the theme “Green City 4 Peace: Youth in Action. Transforming Waste into Hope, Climate Change Action, and Peace,” this initiative responds to some of Monrovia’s most pressing challenges—problems faced by local communities in addressing coastal & climate change threats, youth unemployment, poor waste management, and rising community tensions—with bold,
Youth-led solutions.
At the heart of the project is about enhancing inclusive and effective management of social and environmental impacts of coastal and marine issues through young people—motorcyclists, street youth, and young women—often seen as part of the problem, but now recognized as part of the solution. By equipping and empowering them, the initiative promotes peacebuilding through climate-smart activities that benefit both people and the planet.
A key highlight of the launch will be the handover of two motorbikes and a tricycle (kehkeh) to P4DP. These moving objects, branded with “Green City Youth in Action – P4DP & Conservation International,” will be used for awareness raising, youth outreach, environmental education, and peaceful community engagement. The launch also features:
• A “peace tree” planting ceremony involving youth, community leaders, and the police
• A mini-dialogue session: “Building Peace through Green Cities – Police, Cyclists, and
Youth Perspectives”
• Youth-led skits, spoken word, and performances on climate change, inclusion, and hope
“Beyond being a precursor, this project isn’t just about cleaning up the city—it’s about innovative strategy aimed at cleaning up mistrust, clearing paths to opportunity, and planting seeds of peace,” said P4DP leadership. “When youth are given a platform and the right support, they can lead powerful, positive change.”
With strong collaboration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), the initiative aims to model a new kind of urban development—one where the environment becomes a shared responsibility and a tool for building social cohesion.
It strives to enhance resilience of local communities and coastal and marine resources to climate change.
Together with its partners, P4DP is demonstrating that a Green City is not just cleaner—it’s safer, more inclusive, and more resilient.