MARGIBI COUNTY, LIBERIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening local governance and accelerating rural development, declaring decentralization as the cornerstone of Liberia's national development strategy.
Speaking Monday at the opening of the First International Policy Roundtable on Local Governance and Rural Development at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County, President Boakai called for greater empowerment of local communities, emphasizing that sustainable development must extend beyond national capitals and reach every citizen regardless of location.
The high-level gathering brought together policymakers, development experts, traditional leaders, diplomats, and representatives from across Africa and Asia under the theme: "Advancing Local Governance and Rural Development for an Inclusive and Prosperous Future."
President Boakai praised the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) and Liberia's Ministry of Local Government for organizing the forum, describing it as a timely platform for addressing some of the most pressing development challenges facing rural communities.
"Lasting progress must be anchored in strong local institutions, empowered communities, and responsive governance systems that bring decision-making closer to the people," the Liberian leader said.
Reflecting on Liberia's post-war journey, Boakai noted that poor governance and the marginalization of rural communities were among the root causes of the country's prolonged conflict. He said Liberia's democratic gains and recent election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council demonstrate the country's progress and growing international credibility.
"While we are proud of how far we have come, we remain focused on how far we must still go," he said, adding that true national development should be measured by improvements in the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
Drawing from his own rural upbringing, the President stressed that development must be reflected in better access to markets for farmers, employment opportunities for young people, greater participation of women in decision-making, and improved access to essential services in rural communities.
Boakai highlighted the government's ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, describing it as a comprehensive framework aimed at decentralizing opportunities, strengthening local governance, and ensuring equitable development across Liberia's counties and communities.
He noted that ongoing implementation of the Local Government Act of 2018 is facilitating the gradual transfer of authority and service delivery responsibilities to local governments, thereby enhancing citizen participation and accountability.
"Effective local governance is a democratic imperative," Boakai declared. "When communities are empowered to participate in planning, budgeting, implementation, and oversight, development becomes more responsive, transparent, and sustainable."
The President also welcomed ongoing discussions between AARDO and the Government of Liberia regarding the establishment of a West Africa Training Center for Local Governance and Rural Development in Liberia. He pledged his government's full support for the initiative, saying it would strengthen the capacity of county officials, mayors, district commissioners, chiefs, and other local leaders through training and knowledge exchange.
According to Boakai, many of the challenges confronting rural communities across Africa and Asia—including poor infrastructure, youth unemployment, food insecurity, climate vulnerability, and limited market access—require collective action and innovative solutions.
"No nation can achieve sustainable development in isolation," he said. "The partnerships represented in this room demonstrate the power of international cooperation to advance common prosperity and mutual learning."
The President further emphasized that Liberia is not merely a recipient of international assistance but also a contributor to global development discussions, citing the country's experience in transitioning from conflict to peace and democratic governance.
Urging participants to focus on practical and actionable outcomes, Boakai encouraged delegates to work together to create opportunities that improve the lives of rural populations and ensure that development reaches every community.
Quoting an African proverb, he reminded attendees that "a river that forgets its source will soon run dry," stressing that rural communities remain the foundation of national development.
He concluded by reaffirming Liberia's commitment to working with development partners, local authorities, traditional leaders, and citizens to advance rural transformation and strengthen governance at the local level.
President Boakai then officially declared the First International Policy Roundtable on Local Governance and Rural Development open.
