Liberian Government to Hold National Retreat with Stakeholders and Development Partners, Reaffirm Commitment to AAID Development Plan

By Desmond Gbeleh Wion

Monrovia, Capitol Hill — In a renewed push to accelerate national progress and align development priorities with regional aspirations, the Government of Liberia has announced plans to convene a comprehensive national retreat with key stakeholders, international development partners, and civil society actors to reaffirm its commitment to the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).

The retreat, scheduled for April 26, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, will serve as a high-level forum for dialogue, reflection, and strategic planning. It will bring together cabinet ministers, lawmakers, donor organizations, private sector leaders, civil society actors, traditional authorities, youth representatives, and grassroots development advocates.

Speaking at a press briefing in Monrovia, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Development Planning stated that the retreat, organized under the leadership of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, underscores the importance of collective action and strategic alignment in achieving the national objectives outlined in the AAID framework.

“This national retreat is not just another meeting—it is a defining moment in our pursuit of sustainable development,” the Minister said. “The Government of Liberia recognizes that inclusive growth, institutional reform, and regional cooperation are essential to lifting our people out of poverty and building a resilient, prosperous future. The AAID provides us with a roadmap, and this retreat is about strengthening our collective resolve to follow that path.”

The Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID)—a flagship initiative under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai—focuses on inclusive economic transformation, human capital investment, good governance, environmental sustainability, and regional integration. Liberia has adopted the plan as a guiding framework to align its national development strategy with broader continental and global goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Through the retreat, the government aims to review progress made under key pillars of the AAID, identify existing gaps and challenges, and collaborate with partners to develop actionable strategies that will enhance impact at both national and sub-national levels.

The one-day retreat will feature plenary sessions and technical workshops addressing thematic areas such as youth and women’s empowerment, economic diversification, infrastructure development, education and health reforms, climate resilience, and digital governance. Ministries, departments, and agencies will present updates on implementation and performance metrics, while participants will collaborate on improving policy coordination and monitoring mechanisms.

“This retreat reflects our dedication to a whole-of-society approach in tackling Liberia’s development challenges,” said Minister Dapue. “Government alone cannot deliver the change we seek. We need the private sector, civil society, development agencies, and—most importantly—the people of Liberia to be fully engaged in the journey.”

International partners including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank, European Union (EU), ECOWAS, USAID, and GIZ are expected to participate. These partners will offer technical and financial insights on how Liberia can leverage regional integration and international best practices to fast-track its development agenda.

The retreat is expected to conclude with a formal declaration of renewed commitments, outlining key priorities for the next 12 to 24 months, a revised implementation roadmap for the AAID, and agreed mechanisms for stakeholder accountability and resource mobilization.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who is expected to deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony, has consistently emphasized the need for inclusive governance, evidence-based policymaking, and institutional renewal as foundational pillars of national development.

“The future of Liberia depends on the actions we take today,” remarked Minister Zuo. “This retreat is a chance for us to come together, assess where we stand, and recommit ourselves to the vision of a Liberia that works for all, not just a few.”

Following the retreat, the Government plans to publish a comprehensive communiqué and action plan, which will be shared with both the public and international community as part of its transparency and accountability agenda.