House Creates Historic Youth Legislative Caucus, Giving Young Liberians a Stronger Voice in Governance

The House of Representatives has officially endorsed the establishment of the Youth Legislative Caucus of Liberia, a move expected to give young Liberians a stronger voice in the country's lawmaking process and expand youth participation in national governance.

The decision, approved by the Plenary of the House, creates a formal platform within the 55th National Legislature where lawmakers will work together to promote legislation and policies aimed at addressing major issues affecting young people, including unemployment, education, entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development and civic engagement.

Following the endorsement, the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) welcomed the decision during a news conference attended by youth leaders and members of the Legislature, describing the caucus as a landmark achievement for youth representation in Liberia.

FLY President Duku Jallah praised the House for what he called a bold demonstration of confidence in the country's young population. "This is a historic milestone for Liberia's youth. The establishment of the Youth Legislative Caucus gives young people an institutional voice in the legislative process and strengthens inclusive governance," Jallah said.

According to Jallah, with young people making up the largest segment of Liberia's population, the caucus will create a direct channel for continuous engagement between lawmakers and the youth on national development priorities. "This platform ensures that the concerns and aspirations of young Liberians are no longer on the sidelines but are part of national decision-making," he stated.

The Federation expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the House of Representatives for embracing the initiative and also recognized lawmakers who championed the process, including Youth Legislative Caucus Chairperson Hon. Foko, House Committee on Youth and Sports Chairperson Hon. Tequah, Hon. Anthony F. Williams, Hon. Ellen A. Attoh-Wreh, Hon. Sumo K. Mulbah, and other legislators who supported the effort.

FLY also acknowledged the support of the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), crediting the institution for helping strengthen democratic participation and inclusive governance through its continued partnership with youth organizations and the Legislature.

The Federation further commended youth organizations, civil society groups, legal experts and development partners whose collaboration helped shape the framework that led to the establishment of the caucus. "This achievement demonstrates what is possible when young people, lawmakers and development partners work together to strengthen democracy," the Federation noted.

Reaffirming its commitment to youth empowerment, FLY pledged to work closely with the House of Representatives and its partners to ensure the new caucus translates into practical legislative action that places the interests, voices and future of Liberia's young people at the center of national development.