Gongloe Urges Young Liberians Diplomats to Reject Corruption

Monrovia, Liberia: Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has urged young Liberians to reject corruption and put the needs of citizens first when theLDC Executive Director Nyema M. Merriam urged participants to learn from Liberia’s history and take responsibility for its future.

Recalling the country’s 14-year civil conflict, which he said claimed more than 250,000 lives, Merriam told young Liberians to use the lessons of the past to guide their decisions.

He said the club works in youth diplomacy, leadership, civic engagement and community service under its motto, “Diplomacy Across Cultures.”

Merriam also called for the preservation of indigenous languages, cultures and traditions through museums, universities and cultural institutions.

He identified the Youth Monrovia Declaration as a key outcome of the summit. He said 51 delegates signed the document, which records their commitments to history, national identity, patriotism, leadership and development.

According to Merriam, the declaration will be submitted to the Governance Commission for further engagement under its Civic Engagement, National Identity and Visioning Mandate.

He urged young people from all 15 counties to embrace their identity, serve their communities and work together for Liberia’s development.

Ambassador-at-Large Robert Yarsuo Lormia II spoke about diplomacy’s role in protecting Liberia’s sovereignty and building relations with other countries.

He stressed the importance of peaceful communication, negotiation and dialogue. He also recalled President Joseph Jenkins Roberts’ efforts to secure international recognition for Liberia, beginning with Great Britain in 1848.

Lormia discussed Liberia’s support for African liberation movements, including its support for Nelson Mandela and Namibia’s founding leader, Sam Nujoma.

He also reviewed Liberia’s work through the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, the Mano River Union and ECOWAS, along with its contributions to peacekeeping and conflict mediation.

Lormia said Liberia would assume the presidency of the United Nations Security Council in December. He also recalled the country’s chairmanship of the African Union Peace and Security Council in October 2019.

He said Liberia’s foreign policy should support national priorities and the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

UNDP Liberia Resident Representative Aliou Mamadou Dia encouraged young people to reject political violence, challenge misinformation and help build peace.

Speaking on “From Liberia’s History to Its Development Future: What Role for Young Liberians?”, Dia urged participants to share the country’s achievements and contribute to its development.

He highlighted UNDP’s support for youth empowerment through the National Cadet Program, which he said provided workplace training and mentorship to more than 1,000 college graduates in 2026.

Dia encouraged participants to follow three principles: “Remember, Reconcile, Rebuild.”

Ghana’s Ambassador to Liberia, Godwin Baletum Amonzem, spoke about the historical, cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Speaking on “Ghana-Liberia Relations: Our Shared History and What It Means for the Future of Both Countries,” he recalled Ghana’s support during Liberia’s civil wars.

He said Ghana contributed 11,429 soldiers to the ECOMOG peacekeeping mission and provided refuge for Liberians fleeing the fighting.

Amonzem called for stronger cooperation in trade, investment, education, youth empowerment and regional security.

He also highlighted cooperation between the two countries’ central banks on cross-border payment systems. He urged Ghana and Liberia to use the African Continental Free Trade Area to expand business opportunities, support young entrepreneurs and strengthen regional cooperation through ECOWAS.

The Liberia Diplomatic Club thanked UNDP Liberia for sponsoring the summit, which encouraged young people to connect the lessons of Liberia’s past with their responsibilities as future leaders.