𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐃𝐅 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚

UNCDF Funds Major Decentralization and Capacity‑Building Workshop for Local Leaders in Liberia

In a major push to advance Liberia’s decentralization and local governance agenda, the newly established Ministry of Local Government (MLG) today convened a comprehensive Knowledge Exchange, Share Lessons, and Capacity‑Building Workshop. 

Organized and fully funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the high‑level event represents a critical step in equipping sub‑national leaders with the tools and expertise required to manage local resources and build resilient county frameworks. The workshop brought together a robust contingent of county leadership, including the Superintendent of Lofa County, County Development Officers, and County Finance Officers representing Lofa, Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties. Civil society organizations (CSOs) and cross‑governmental delegations also participated, with representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), and the Governance Commission. 

Regional Collaboration and Environmental Synergy 

A key highlight of the opening session was a call for cross‑border cooperation within the West African sub‑region. Representing her institution, Ms. Stella Okoh, Deputy Director of the EPA of Ghana, emphasized that local development and environmental preservation are inseparable. 

“True capacity building crosses boundaries,” Ms. Okoh remarked, urging enhanced collaboration between Ghana and Liberia to address shared climate vulnerabilities and build sustainable municipal frameworks. 

National Commitment to Decentralization 

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Local Government, Hon. F. Sakila Nyumalin Sr., Deputy Minister Edward K. Mulbah underscored the workshop’s importance to the administration’s development goals. He stressed that local capacity is the bedrock of successful decentralization and reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s unwavering financial and political support for structural reforms. Deputy Minister Mulbah assured partners that insights gained from the sessions would be translated into actionable policy to strengthen grassroots governance. 

UNCDF’s Continued Partnership 

Leading the international development cohort, Ms. Angela Yayra Kwashie, Technical Specialist and Local County Coordinator for UNCDF, expressed pride in partnering with the Liberian government. She highlighted UNCDF’s commitment to fostering structural efficiency, transparent resource management, and localized financial empowerment across participating counties.