Press Release
an effort to ensure that young people are not only beneficiary of inproved human wellbeing butshould also be recognized as pricipal actors in enabling Liberia to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) .The Youth For community Academic And Development Services (YOCADS) hosted an interactive MDGs youth forum on the Theme: "Strategies for Youth Empowerment in Achieving the MDGs" at the Urban Day Foundation School in St. Paul Bridge Community on May 18, 2007.

The forum brough together students, faculty member from the secondary division of the school. Speaking at the forum the Executive Director of YOCADS, Mr. Alphonso K. Weah stress the need that Government, civil society and developnment partner should create an enabling environment to provide tangible support that will empower youth/stundets to contribute to ward the achievement of the MDGs in post conflict Liberia. The Deputy executive Director, Mr. Zolu F. Gobah spoke on debt relief fair trade and quality of aid to developng Countries. The administration and students, however lauded YOCADS for this initiative, by informing them about the goals.

The campaign was climax by the presentation of MDGs advocacy and awareness materials for use by the school MDGs club.

Alphonso K. Weah
Executive Director
YOCADS
Phone:+2315648081
In an effort to ensure that young people are not only beneficiary of inproved human wellbeing butshould also be recognized as pricipal actors in enabling Liberia to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) .The Youth For community Academic And Development Services (YOCADS) hosted an interactive MDGs youth forum on the Theme: "Strategies for Youth Empowerment in Achieving the MDGs" at the Urban Day Foundation School in St. Paul Bridge Community on May 18, 2007.

The forum brough together students, faculty member from the secondary division of the school. Speaking at the forum the Executive Director of YOCADS, Mr. Alphonso K. Weah stress the need that Government, civil society and developnment partner should create an enabling environment to provide tangible support that will empower youth/stundets to contribute to ward the achievement of the MDGs in post conflict Liberia. The Deputy executive Director, Mr. Zolu F. Gobah spoke on debt relief fair trade and quality of aid to developng Countries. The administration and students, however lauded YOCADS for this initiative, by informing them about the goals.

The campaign was climax by the presentation of MDGs advocacy and awareness materials for use by the school MDGs club.

Alphonso K. Weah
Executive Director
YOCADS
Phone:+2315648081

YOUTH FOR COMMUNITY ACADEMIC AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
(YOCADS)
P.O. Box 4970
Duala, Bushrod Island
1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia
West Africa



February 27, 2007

The Senior Country Officer
World Bank-Liberia
Mamba Point
Monrovia, Liberia


Dear Sir:

The Youth for Community Academic and Development Services (YOCADS) through its Executive Director Mr. Alphonso K. Weah participated in the Joint United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and African Union (AU) High-Level Consultative Meeting on Decent and Productive Work for Youth in West Africa with emphasis on the Mano River Union (MRU) in closed cooperation with United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and the Secretary General’s Youth Employment Network (YEN) which was held in Accra, Ghana from 19-20 February 2007. The meeting brought together Ministers of Trade & Industry and Ministers of youth of the Mano River Union (MRU) Countries (Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea) plus Cote d’ Ivoire, as well as Togo, United Nations agencies, the private sector, the MRU secretariat, development partners, and representatives of youth civil society organizations.

The objectives of the High-level Consultative Meeting were:
( 1) To identify country – Specific best practices and priority project and programmes
areas/ concepts for the MRU and Cote d’ Ivoire;

(2) To establish a funding mechanism for programme implementation;

(3) To establish competent programme implementation mechanism for the MRU and
Cote d’ Ivoire

(4) And to develop a set of action –oriented policy and strategy recommendation as input
to the 2007 summit of African Union (AU) Heads of state and governments
devoted to industrial development.

Additionally, participant of the meeting unanimously recognized that the issue of youth employment constitutes a major challenge particularly as it has implications for the political stability of the MRU Countries and Cote d’ Ivoire. The meeting also noted that the governments in the sub-region have made progress towards creating the enabling environment for addressing the issue of youth employment by way of national policies action plans and programmes for job creation. However, many of those policies, plans and programmed have not been fully made operational. Similarly national policies and legislation have been adopted to improve the business environment and facilitate private sector investment and trade.

To conclude, the meeting therefore called for a multi-stakeholder approach that would involve the development and implementation of a youth employment programme for the MRU and Cote d’ Ivoire using best practices as well as the establishment of a fund for it implementation. Further more, to provide support to youth initiatives emanating from MRU Countries plus Cote d’ Ivoire that will be lucrative, cross-border projects in the region because there is an opportunity. In this context, the ministers noted the importance of pursuing a regional approach and supporting initiatives that will be led by youth or young people and civil society.


Kindly see attached the keynote address by Dr. Kandeh F. Yumkella, Director General of UNIDO, a communiqué develop by participant of the meeting, the provisional list of participants confirmed as of 18 February, 2007 and the provisional agenda.




Kindest regards.



Alphonso K. Weah
Executive Director
Cell #: +2315648081

Joint United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and African Union (AU) High-Level Consultative Meeting on Decent and Productive Work for Youth in West Africa with emphasis on the Mano River Union (MRU
Translated into French by: Alphonso K. Weah
YOUTH FOR COMMUNITY ACADEMIC AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
(YOCADS)
P.O. Box 4970
Duala, Bushrod Island
1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia
West Africa



February 27, 2007

The Senior Country Officer
World Bank-Liberia
Mamba Point
Monrovia, Liberia


Dear Sir:

The Youth for Community Academic and Development Services (YOCADS) through its Executive Director Mr. Alphonso K. Weah participated in the Joint United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and African Union (AU) High-Level Consultative Meeting on Decent and Productive Work for Youth in West Africa with emphasis on the Mano River Union (MRU) in closed cooperation with United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and the Secretary General’s Youth Employment Network (YEN) which was held in Accra, Ghana from 19-20 February 2007. The meeting brought together Ministers of Trade & Industry and Ministers of youth of the Mano River Union (MRU) Countries (Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea) plus Cote d’ Ivoire, as well as Togo, United Nations agencies, the private sector, the MRU secretariat, development partners, and representatives of youth civil society organizations.

The objectives of the High-level Consultative Meeting were:
( 1) To identify country – Specific best practices and priority project and programmes
areas/ concepts for the MRU and Cote d’ Ivoire;

(2) To establish a funding mechanism for programme implementation;

(3) To establish competent programme implementation mechanism for the MRU and
Cote d’ Ivoire

(4) And to develop a set of action –oriented policy and strategy recommendation as input
to the 2007 summit of African Union (AU) Heads of state and governments
devoted to industrial development.

Additionally, participant of the meeting unanimously recognized that the issue of youth employment constitutes a major challenge particularly as it has implications for the political stability of the MRU Countries and Cote d’ Ivoire. The meeting also noted that the governments in the sub-region have made progress towards creating the enabling environment for addressing the issue of youth employment by way of national policies action plans and programmes for job creation. However, many of those policies, plans and programmed have not been fully made operational. Similarly national policies and legislation have been adopted to improve the business environment and facilitate private sector investment and trade.

To conclude, the meeting therefore called for a multi-stakeholder approach that would involve the development and implementation of a youth employment programme for the MRU and Cote d’ Ivoire using best practices as well as the establishment of a fund for it implementation. Further more, to provide support to youth initiatives emanating from MRU Countries plus Cote d’ Ivoire that will be lucrative, cross-border projects in the region because there is an opportunity. In this context, the ministers noted the importance of pursuing a regional approach and supporting initiatives that will be led by youth or young people and civil society.


Kindly see attached the keynote address by Dr. Kandeh F. Yumkella, Director General of UNIDO, a communiqué develop by participant of the meeting, the provisional list of participants confirmed as of 18 February, 2007 and the provisional agenda.




Kindest regards.



Alphonso K. Weah
Executive Director
Cell #: +2315648081

Youth For Community Academic And Development Services
Duala Bushrod Island United Nation Drive
Kuwait Gas Station Monrovia –Liberia













Civic Education On the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
and iPRS Preparation Modules

























Introduction

Since the inception of the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs) in 2000,Little is done to massively promote the goals in Liberia due to the fact that people are not aware of the MDGs and therefore cannot contribute to the implementation of Millennium Development Goals. The Youth For Community Academic And Development Services(YOCADS) had been credited as the first Liberian youth organization engaged in the advocacy and awareness on the MDGs both local and the International level . these activities are evident by the establishment of MDGs Clubs in Schools , round table –discussion on the MDGs , presentation of a paper on the MDGs at the national youth policy conference , contribute to the global youth white paper , representation of Liberia at the 3rd world youth congress held in Scotland united kingdom , representation of United Nation Millennium Campaign at the World Social Forum held in Kenya , and participation in UNIDO/AU high level consultative Meeting on Decent and Productive Work for Young People with emphasis on the Mano River Union .YOCADs continue to advocate for the MDGs by building National Ownership, Consensus building, importance of the MDGs to Liberia Development , engaging legislators, Cabinet Ministers, Public Agencies, and Development Partners as well as Civil Society . Mentioned are YOCADS commitment to promote the MDGs which is not fully advocated for in the Liberian Society.


Brief History on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)


In 2000, 189 Heads of Government met at the United Nations Millennium Summit to Signed the Millennium Declaration , Promising to “ Free Men, Women, an Children from the dehumanizing conditions of Extreme Poverty and Hunger,” committing developed Countries alike to Eight Millennium Development Goals(MDGs) , such as eradicating extreme poverty and Hunger; Achieve Universal Primary Education, Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women , Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other Diseases , Ensure Environmental Sustainability , and Develop a Global Partnership for Development. Up to present , more than a billion people worldwide still survive on less than a dollar a day, In spite of the money , technology and know-how the world/Liberia has it disposal , achieving the MDGs should not be a problem for us .









Citizen and the MDGs Opportunities and Challenges for Implementation




The MGs are some of the World Most present Problems. However, achieving its Objectives (Goals) by 2015 is not the responsibility of Donors but rather Governments and its Citizens. Nothing could be further from the Truth. To Achieve the MDGs, Liberia needs everyone ;young people ,Aids Activists, Religious Leaders; Environmentalist, Trade Unionist, Civil Society Organizations, and Women rights Activists, that everyone who concerned about the future of Liberia should work together to ensure that the MDGs become a reality in our Country .

The big Question is anybody doing anything to end issues that confront us as Liberian and also help to make the world a better and safer place? Or our Elected Leaders doing enough to End Poverty. We believe the answers are no. that’s why it is up to us as Liberian to remind our government of the Commitment they made. Even today, 1.2 billion worldwide are still forced to survive on less than one dollar a day, and 133 million young people cannot even read or write, which is unfortunate for the productive and decent Society. this is why , those of us who live in the developed countries need/should make sure our government live up to their commitment on Goal 8 (higher quality Aid, Fair Trade Rules , and Providing more Debt Relief to the Developing Countries) while those from the developing countries such as Liberia should make the sure our government achieve the first seven goals .this is our chance as Liberian to really make a difference ,let us refuse to see another day where another person dies because of broken Promises .



Liberia Situation /Millennium Development Goals Report

With 2007, the half way mark of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),hopes of Liberia every meeting the MDGs by the set deadline continues to dwindle. According to OXFAM during the World Social Forum that was held in Kenya January 2007, Africa require four billion dollars every the next decade to provide access to affordable Water. Access to safe water remains limited across Africa particularly in rural setting.

According to the MDGs report on Liberia only 4% of the rural household having access to safe during water. Poverty in Liberia is pervasive. The poor are found in rural areas. Extreme poverty has increase from 14% with more 1.4 Million people living on less than US$ 0.50 person a day. As set in out in the National Reconstruction and Development Plan (NRDP) Government are to reduce the proportion of people in absolute poverty from 76.2% to 52% by 2007 and 27% by 2015. The majority of the Public Schools lack teaching materials and staffs, and most public schools in rural areas are dilapidated, needing major renovation or complete reconstruction. According to the MDGs Report Boys enrolment rate increase form 19.3% to 20.3%, while Girls enrolment rate dropped sharply from 18.7% to 14.5% during the same period. The Proportion of Pupils starting Grade 1 and reaching Grade 5 was 34.6% for Boys and 26.6% for Girls .The Global Community has clearly failed to reach the benchmark of 2005 for ensuring access to all form of primary Education(Target 4) . Unequal access to schooling, which is discriminatory against women and Girls, is an out standing Problem of Liberian Society. this has limited the capacity of women to participate effectively in National Decision Making Process . Available Statistics have consistently shown lower enrolment for Girls than Boys at all level in Education.



i PRS

The Effort to eradicate to poverty is the one which involve all types and level of Education, Preservation of Culture, National, Priorities, and Local Realities. Poverty eradication should be well integrated within broader framework of Economic and Social Policy and Development Strategy. The magnitude and expansion of poverty and the grave threat its poses to Social, Political, and Economic Stability make it the biggest challenges facing Liberia. Those living in poverty lack control over income-generating assets, limited access to market, uneducated , less good health, and acquire fewer rights. The populations in Liberia have grown faster than Economic Growth, causing the living standard to deteriorate. Poverty eradication in any country lie in the hand of government through legislation and enforcement ,this mean creating major reform which have to start with the political will , while donors contribute new knowledge. This will and new knowledge must reflect the interest of those living in poverty.





















Conclusion

At the end of the eighteen century every three quarter of the people were in bondage subject to various forms of slavery. Today in our day everyone has seen the devastation cause by poverty, diseases, and social injustices on our TV screens. The Anti- Apartheid Campaign began in 1959 with an economic boycott of South Africa potatoes and fruits. Tactics were calculated to make an impact. At the end, there was almost no one left to defend South Africa. World Trade has increase tenfold since 1970, more foods are produce than ever before, yet the number of people going hungry in Africa has doubled. More than 800 Million people go with out food everyday. AT the Current rates of progress, it would take 130 years to rid the world of hunger. Like Slavery and Apartheid, Poverty, Diseases, and Social Injustices are not natural. It is Man –Made and it can be over come and eradicated by the actions of Human Being. The Battle for the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals is as importance as the Battle against Slavery and Apartheid. It is not the UN and other donors agencies that must achieve the Millennium Development Goals but rather marginalized Groups in Society, Civil Society Organizations, Religious Leaders, Aid Activists, all working in the same direction making the world and Liberia a better place for All.

YOCADS Participation In the Liberia Civic Education program on the MDGs
Translated into French by: Alphonso K. Weah





Youth For Community Academic And Development Services
Duala Bushrod Island United Nation Drive
Kuwait Gas Station Monrovia –Liberia













Civic Education On the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
and iPRS Preparation Modules

























Introduction

Since the inception of the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs) in 2000,Little is done to massively promote the goals in Liberia due to the fact that people are not aware of the MDGs and therefore cannot contribute to the implementation of Millennium Development Goals. The Youth For Community Academic And Development Services(YOCADS) had been credited as the first Liberian youth organization engaged in the advocacy and awareness on the MDGs both local and the International level . these activities are evident by the establishment of MDGs Clubs in Schools , round table –discussion on the MDGs , presentation of a paper on the MDGs at the national youth policy conference , contribute to the global youth white paper , representation of Liberia at the 3rd world youth congress held in Scotland united kingdom , representation of United Nation Millennium Campaign at the World Social Forum held in Kenya , and participation in UNIDO/AU high level consultative Meeting on Decent and Productive Work for Young People with emphasis on the Mano River Union .YOCADs continue to advocate for the MDGs by building National Ownership, Consensus building, importance of the MDGs to Liberia Development , engaging legislators, Cabinet Ministers, Public Agencies, and Development Partners as well as Civil Society . Mentioned are YOCADS commitment to promote the MDGs which is not fully advocated for in the Liberian Society.


Brief History on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)


In 2000, 189 Heads of Government met at the United Nations Millennium Summit to Signed the Millennium Declaration , Promising to “ Free Men, Women, an Children from the dehumanizing conditions of Extreme Poverty and Hunger,” committing developed Countries alike to Eight Millennium Development Goals(MDGs) , such as eradicating extreme poverty and Hunger; Achieve Universal Primary Education, Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women , Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other Diseases , Ensure Environmental Sustainability , and Develop a Global Partnership for Development. Up to present , more than a billion people worldwide still survive on less than a dollar a day, In spite of the money , technology and know-how the world/Liberia has it disposal , achieving the MDGs should not be a problem for us .









Citizen and the MDGs Opportunities and Challenges for Implementation




The MGs are some of the World Most present Problems. However, achieving its Objectives (Goals) by 2015 is not the responsibility of Donors but rather Governments and its Citizens. Nothing could be further from the Truth. To Achieve the MDGs, Liberia needs everyone ;young people ,Aids Activists, Religious Leaders; Environmentalist, Trade Unionist, Civil Society Organizations, and Women rights Activists, that everyone who concerned about the future of Liberia should work together to ensure that the MDGs become a reality in our Country .

The big Question is anybody doing anything to end issues that confront us as Liberian and also help to make the world a better and safer place? Or our Elected Leaders doing enough to End Poverty. We believe the answers are no. that’s why it is up to us as Liberian to remind our government of the Commitment they made. Even today, 1.2 billion worldwide are still forced to survive on less than one dollar a day, and 133 million young people cannot even read or write, which is unfortunate for the productive and decent Society. this is why , those of us who live in the developed countries need/should make sure our government live up to their commitment on Goal 8 (higher quality Aid, Fair Trade Rules , and Providing more Debt Relief to the Developing Countries) while those from the developing countries such as Liberia should make the sure our government achieve the first seven goals .this is our chance as Liberian to really make a difference ,let us refuse to see another day where another person dies because of broken Promises .



Liberia Situation /Millennium Development Goals Report

With 2007, the half way mark of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),hopes of Liberia every meeting the MDGs by the set deadline continues to dwindle. According to OXFAM during the World Social Forum that was held in Kenya January 2007, Africa require four billion dollars every the next decade to provide access to affordable Water. Access to safe water remains limited across Africa particularly in rural setting.

According to the MDGs report on Liberia only 4% of the rural household having access to safe during water. Poverty in Liberia is pervasive. The poor are found in rural areas. Extreme poverty has increase from 14% with more 1.4 Million people living on less than US$ 0.50 person a day. As set in out in the National Reconstruction and Development Plan (NRDP) Government are to reduce the proportion of people in absolute poverty from 76.2% to 52% by 2007 and 27% by 2015. The majority of the Public Schools lack teaching materials and staffs, and most public schools in rural areas are dilapidated, needing major renovation or complete reconstruction. According to the MDGs Report Boys enrolment rate increase form 19.3% to 20.3%, while Girls enrolment rate dropped sharply from 18.7% to 14.5% during the same period. The Proportion of Pupils starting Grade 1 and reaching Grade 5 was 34.6% for Boys and 26.6% for Girls .The Global Community has clearly failed to reach the benchmark of 2005 for ensuring access to all form of primary Education(Target 4) . Unequal access to schooling, which is discriminatory against women and Girls, is an out standing Problem of Liberian Society. this has limited the capacity of women to participate effectively in National Decision Making Process . Available Statistics have consistently shown lower enrolment for Girls than Boys at all level in Education.



i PRS

The Effort to eradicate to poverty is the one which involve all types and level of Education, Preservation of Culture, National, Priorities, and Local Realities. Poverty eradication should be well integrated within broader framework of Economic and Social Policy and Development Strategy. The magnitude and expansion of poverty and the grave threat its poses to Social, Political, and Economic Stability make it the biggest challenges facing Liberia. Those living in poverty lack control over income-generating assets, limited access to market, uneducated , less good health, and acquire fewer rights. The populations in Liberia have grown faster than Economic Growth, causing the living standard to deteriorate. Poverty eradication in any country lie in the hand of government through legislation and enforcement ,this mean creating major reform which have to start with the political will , while donors contribute new knowledge. This will and new knowledge must reflect the interest of those living in poverty.





















Conclusion

At the end of the eighteen century every three quarter of the people were in bondage subject to various forms of slavery. Today in our day everyone has seen the devastation cause by poverty, diseases, and social injustices on our TV screens. The Anti- Apartheid Campaign began in 1959 with an economic boycott of South Africa potatoes and fruits. Tactics were calculated to make an impact. At the end, there was almost no one left to defend South Africa. World Trade has increase tenfold since 1970, more foods are produce than ever before, yet the number of people going hungry in Africa has doubled. More than 800 Million people go with out food everyday. AT the Current rates of progress, it would take 130 years to rid the world of hunger. Like Slavery and Apartheid, Poverty, Diseases, and Social Injustices are not natural. It is Man –Made and it can be over come and eradicated by the actions of Human Being. The Battle for the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals is as importance as the Battle against Slavery and Apartheid. It is not the UN and other donors agencies that must achieve the Millennium Development Goals but rather marginalized Groups in Society, Civil Society Organizations, Religious Leaders, Aid Activists, all working in the same direction making the world and Liberia a better place for All.

YOUTH FOR COMMUNITY ACADEMIC AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
(YOCADS)
P.O. Box 4970
Duala, Bushrod Island
1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia
West Africa

REPORT

The Youth for Community Academic and Development Services (YOCADS) through its Executive Director Mr. Alphonso K. Weah participated in the Joint United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and African Union (AU) High-Level Consultative Meeting on Decent and Productive Work for Youth in West Africa with emphasis on the Mano River Union (MRU) in closed cooperation with United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and the Secretary General’s Youth Employment Network (YEN) which was held in Accra, Ghana from 19-20 February 2007. The meeting brought together Ministers of Trade & Industry and Ministers of youth of the Mano River Union (MRU) Countries (Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea) plus Cote d’ Ivoire, as well as Togo, United Nations agencies, the private sector, the MRU secretariat, development partners, and representatives of youth civil society organizations.

The objectives of the High-level Consultative Meeting were:
( 1) To identify country – Specific best practices and priority project and programmes
areas/ concepts for the MRU and Cote d’ Ivoire;

(2) To establish a funding mechanism for programme implementation;

(3) To establish competent programme implementation mechanism for the MRU and
Cote d’ Ivoire

(4) And to develop a set of action –oriented policy and strategy recommendation as input
to the 2007 summit of African Union (AU) Heads of state and governments
devoted to industrial development.

Additionally, participant of the meeting unanimously recognized that the issue of youth employment constitutes a major challenge particularly as it has implications for the political stability of the MRU Countries and Cote d’ Ivoire. The meeting also noted that the governments in the sub-region have made progress towards creating the enabling environment for addressing the issue of youth employment by way of national policies action plans and programmes for job creation. However, many of those policies, plans and programmed have not been fully made operational. Similarly national policies and legislation have been adopted to improve the business environment and facilitate private sector investment and trade.

To conclude, the meeting therefore called for a multi-stakeholder approach that would involve the development and implementation of a youth employment programme for the MRU and Cote d’ Ivoire using best practices as well as the establishment of a fund for it implementation. Further more, to provide support to youth initiatives emanating from MRU Countries plus Cote d’ Ivoire that will be lucrative, cross-border projects in the region because there is an opportunity. In this context, the ministers noted the importance of pursuing a regional approach and supporting initiatives that will be led by youth or young people and civil society.


Kindly see attached the keynote address by Dr. Kandeh F. Yumkella, Director General of UNIDO, a communiqué develop by participant of the meeting, the provisional list of participants confirmed as of 18 February, 2007 and the provisional agenda.




Kindest regards.



Alphonso K. Weah
Executive Director
Cell #: +2315648081

REPORT
Translated into French by: Alphonso K. Weah
YOUTH FOR COMMUNITY ACADEMIC AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
(YOCADS)
P.O. Box 4970
Duala, Bushrod Island
1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia
West Africa

REPORT

The Youth for Community Academic and Development Services (YOCADS) through its Executive Director Mr. Alphonso K. Weah participated in the Joint United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and African Union (AU) High-Level Consultative Meeting on Decent and Productive Work for Youth in West Africa with emphasis on the Mano River Union (MRU) in closed cooperation with United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and the Secretary General’s Youth Employment Network (YEN) which was held in Accra, Ghana from 19-20 February 2007. The meeting brought together Ministers of Trade & Industry and Ministers of youth of the Mano River Union (MRU) Countries (Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea) plus Cote d’ Ivoire, as well as Togo, United Nations agencies, the private sector, the MRU secretariat, development partners, and representatives of youth civil society organizations.

The objectives of the High-level Consultative Meeting were:
( 1) To identify country – Specific best practices and priority project and programmes
areas/ concepts for the MRU and Cote d’ Ivoire;

(2) To establish a funding mechanism for programme implementation;

(3) To establish competent programme implementation mechanism for the MRU and
Cote d’ Ivoire

(4) And to develop a set of action –oriented policy and strategy recommendation as input
to the 2007 summit of African Union (AU) Heads of state and governments
devoted to industrial development.

Additionally, participant of the meeting unanimously recognized that the issue of youth employment constitutes a major challenge particularly as it has implications for the political stability of the MRU Countries and Cote d’ Ivoire. The meeting also noted that the governments in the sub-region have made progress towards creating the enabling environment for addressing the issue of youth employment by way of national policies action plans and programmes for job creation. However, many of those policies, plans and programmed have not been fully made operational. Similarly national policies and legislation have been adopted to improve the business environment and facilitate private sector investment and trade.

To conclude, the meeting therefore called for a multi-stakeholder approach that would involve the development and implementation of a youth employment programme for the MRU and Cote d’ Ivoire using best practices as well as the establishment of a fund for it implementation. Further more, to provide support to youth initiatives emanating from MRU Countries plus Cote d’ Ivoire that will be lucrative, cross-border projects in the region because there is an opportunity. In this context, the ministers noted the importance of pursuing a regional approach and supporting initiatives that will be led by youth or young people and civil society.


Kindly see attached the keynote address by Dr. Kandeh F. Yumkella, Director General of UNIDO, a communiqué develop by participant of the meeting, the provisional list of participants confirmed as of 18 February, 2007 and the provisional agenda.




Kindest regards.



Alphonso K. Weah
Executive Director
Cell #: +2315648081