The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and climate security at the opening of the Thinkers’ Youth Simulation Model United Nations (TYSMUN) 2026, held at the American International School, Old Road.
The program equips young people with practical skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and leadership to contribute meaningfully to national and global decision making.
Hon. Saywhar N. Gbaa, Assistant Minister for Public Affairs, delivered the keynote address on behalf of Her Excellency Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti. In her remarks, She told the delegates that TYSMUN is “not simply an academic exercise but vital preparation for future leadership,” stressing that young people are not future stakeholders in peace but present ones. “Your voices matter now, your ideas matter now, your leadership matters now,” she said.
She highlighted Liberia’s election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, describing it as both an achievement and a responsibility. Liberia’s role, she noted, is to speak for peace, represent Africa, and ensure that the perspectives of youth, climate vulnerable nations, and post-conflict societies are heard in global decision making. Reflecting on Liberia’s history of conflict and recovery, she recalled how youth rebuilt communities, chose dialogue over division, and carried hope when hope was fragile. She cautioned that peace agreements cannot endure if young people are excluded, and that true security must rest on opportunity, inclusion, and dignity—not only on military strength.
She also underscored climate change as a pressing security challenge: “When farms fail, conflict rises. When food is scarce, tensions grow. When communities are displaced, instability follows.” She urged youth to lead climate action, policy innovation, and global advocacy. She concluded by encouraging delegates to embrace TYSMUN as a serious platform for learning diplomacy and leadership. “The greatest threat to global peace is not only conflict, but indifference—indifference to injustice, inequality, climate destruction, and the exclusion of youth voices,” she affirmed that Liberia’s voice at the Security Council will champion youth, peace, and security, strengthened by the engagement of informed young Liberians. “TYSMUN 2026 is not just an event. It is an investment in the future,” she concluded, commending the organizers for their vision and the delegates for stepping into the role of global citizens.
The Thinkers’ Youth Simulation Model United Nations (TYSMUN) is an annual youth-led initiative in Liberia that provides students with a platform to simulate United Nations proceedings. Established to nurture future leaders, TYSMUN focuses on equipping young people with skills in diplomacy, negotiation, public speaking, and policy analysis. It has grown into a respected forum for fostering civic engagement, critical thinking, and global citizenship among Liberia’s emerging leaders.
Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
