Sanniquellie, Nimba County – Liberia’s Assistant Minister for Development Planning at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), J. Wellington Barchue I, has emphasized the critical need for increased public capacity building and sensitization regarding the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). This call comes as the Liberian government intensifies its efforts to improve the implementation of both local and global development goals.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day training workshop in Sanniquellie, Minister Barchue highlighted the importance of strengthening local capacity to effectively track progress on both the County Development Agendas (CDAs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “This is not just a workshop—it is a turning point,” Barchue stated. “We are equipping local officials not only to understand our development goals, but also to monitor and report progress in a transparent and accountable manner.”
The training, organized in partnership with the United Nations Joint SDG Fund, aims to enhance the technical skills of county-level authorities and foster improved coordination among government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
Honorable Barchue pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects as tangible indicators of development, citing the construction of over 38 community roads in Margibi County. He commended President Joseph Boakai’s leadership, attributing the revitalization of the national development agenda to his administration. “Under President Boakai, we have prioritized roads and other critical infrastructure,” Hon. Barchue noted. “This is the kind of leadership that will deliver sustainable development for Liberia.”
He urged public officials to approach their duties with unwavering dedication, emphasizing that serving in government is “a privilege” in a nation of over five million people.
Representing the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, Development Coordination Officer Mr. Sidiki A. Quisia underscored the significance of localizing the SDGs, asserting that development must be deeply rooted in the everyday realities of communities. “The SDGs are not abstract ideas. They are real-world commitments that must take root in our villages, towns, and cities,” said Mr. Quisia. “Local governments are best placed to turn global ambitions into real results—whether through improved schools, clean water, inclusive governance, or climate resilience.”
Mr. Quisia described the workshop as a vital platform for building partnerships and empowering local actors to drive change through effective planning, budgeting, data collection, and citizen engagement.
Organizers stated that the program is part of broader initiatives to localize the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and County Development Agendas aligned with the SDGs. This includes establishing effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks, promoting transparency, and increasing community awareness. The training is supported by the United Nations Joint SDG Fund.
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