The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) convened the third edition of its flagship policy dialogue series, “The Inclusive Hour,” on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Monrovia, Liberia. The high-level gathering brought together key stakeholders to engage in a candid conversation regarding Liberia’s fiscal future following a significant aid suspension by the United States.
Held at the One UN House in Sinkor, the forum featured Finance and Development Planning Minister Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan as the keynote speaker. Attendees included senior government officials, development partners, university students, and UN staff.
The central focus of the dialogue was navigating Liberia’s development landscape in light of the recent suspension of an estimated US$400 to 500 million in assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Aliou Dia initiated the event by emphasizing the critical role of the platform in ensuring development programs align with the nation’s evolving priorities. “This is more than a conversation; it’s a strategic tool to ensure our interventions remain people-centered and responsive,” Mr. Dia stated.
UN Resident Coordinator Christine Umutoni reinforced this sentiment, characterizing the dialogue as a testament to partnership and resilience. “This gathering demonstrates our shared commitment to trust, unity, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” she noted.
In his keynote address, Minister Ngafuan provided a serious assessment of the potential repercussions of the aid suspension, cautioning that it could disrupt crucial programs, such as school feeding initiatives that support thousands of Liberian children. “This isn’t abstract; it impacts lives,” the Minister emphasized. “However, we are responding by tightening fiscal controls, cutting unnecessary expenditures, and focusing resources on essential services.”
Minister Ngafuan acknowledged the continued support from international partners, including the UNDP, the Swedish Government, and the World Bank. He also expressed optimism for the resumption of projects under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), which have also been put on hold.
The event fostered active participation from university students, who contributed fresh insights on the importance of youth inclusion in governance and national development.
As the forum concluded, participants collectively emphasized the need for transparency, innovation, and enhanced coordination to navigate Liberia’s current economic challenges.
The UNDP reaffirmed its dedication to sustaining “The Inclusive Hour” as a vital platform for open dialogue, policy innovation, and collective action.
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