As Liberia joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Peace, the Founder of the African Youth Fellowship (AYF-Liberia) and Commissioned Young Peace Ambassador, Amb. Moses N. Buwee, issued a clarion call for increased investment in young people as a cornerstone for sustaining peace and driving national development.
Amb. Buwee praised the Government of Liberia for its continued efforts to maintain peace and stability, particularly through initiatives that create opportunities for youth. He singled out the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) and its development partners for championing Liberia’s Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Action Plan on the global stage.
He commended the Minister of Youth and Sports for leading a high-level Liberian delegation to New York to advocate for the Action Plan, describing the effort as a vital step in ensuring that Liberia’s youth priorities receive international recognition and support.
According to Amb. Buwee, one of the most encouraging aspects of current government efforts is the opportunity being created for young people to discover their abilities, develop their potential, and become productive members of society.
“When we open doors for young people, we are not only investing in their future; we are investing in the future of Liberia,” he said.
He emphasized that Liberia’s peace must not only be celebrated but also protected through meaningful opportunities that allow young people to learn, work, participate, and contribute to national development. Sustainable peace, he argued, hinges on education, vocational and technical training, entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, mentorship, leadership development, and civic participation.
Amb. Buwee also urged young Liberians to take responsibility for protecting the peace the country has achieved. He cautioned against allowing political or ethnic differences to undermine national unity.
“Young people must understand that political differences should never be greater than our love for Liberia. We can belong to different political parties, support different ideas, and still remain brothers and sisters as Liberians,” he stated.
He further encouraged youth to use social media responsibly, particularly during politically sensitive periods, and to reject messages that promote hatred, violence, division, or intolerance.
Amb. Buwee expressed concern about young people vulnerable to drug abuse and other social challenges, stressing the need for rehabilitation, mentorship, skills development, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
“Some of our young people are struggling with drugs and other difficult circumstances. We must not abandon them. They are still part of Liberia, and they have potential,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organizations, communities, and development partners to address these challenges, insisting that youth should be seen not only as beneficiaries of peacebuilding programs but also as partners and leaders in sustaining peace and national development.
Amb. Buwee praised the efforts of government, civil society, communities, religious leaders, development partners, and ordinary Liberians who continue to contribute to maintaining peace. He emphasized that sustaining peace is a collective responsibility requiring the participation of every generation.
As Liberia observed the International Day of Peace, he urged citizens to reflect on the country’s history and the sacrifices made to achieve stability.
“Let us protect our peace. Let us not allow politics to divide us. Let us teach our young people that Liberia belongs to all of us. We can disagree politically and still work together for the common good,” he said.
Amb. Buwee concluded with a rallying call: “Let us work together to engage, empower, and transform our young people for a peaceful and prosperous Liberia.”
