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Liberia Unveils Star-Studded High-Level Speaker Lineup for UNGA 81 Youth, Peace and Security Side Event in New York to Showcase Youth-Led Peacebuilding Vision
BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
NEW YORK, USA — The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced an accomplished high-level speaker lineup for its major side event on Youth, Peace and Security on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The high-level dialogue is being held under the theme “Rooting and Rising:Liberia’s Vision for Youth, Peace and Security.
It aims to spotlight Liberia’s commitment to advancing youth participation in peacebuilding, security, development, and national decision-making.
The event will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Nelson Mandela Hall, African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations, 305 East 47th Street, New York.
The Ministry has assembled top national and international leaders driving the global Youth, Peace and Security agenda:
H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Liberia
Atty. Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah – Minister of Youth and Sports, Republic of Liberia
Diene Keita – Under Secretary General and Executive Director, UNFPA
Elizabeth Mary Spehar – Assistant Secretary General for Peacebuilding and Peace Support, United Nations
Dr. Felipe Paullier – Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs, United Nations
The event will provide a platform for high-level dialogue on Liberia’s efforts to strengthen the role of young people in preventing conflict, promoting peace, and contributing to sustainable development.
A major highlight will be Liberia’s investment in the PATHWAYs Reform Mandate, an initiative aimed at strengthening pathways for young people to participate meaningfully in the country’s peace and development agenda.
As Liberia continues to advance its Youth, Peace and Security agenda, the Ministry of Youth and Sports views the New York engagement as a critical opportunity to bring Liberia’s post-conflict experience, priorities, and success stories to the global stage and to strengthen partnerships around youth-led peacebuilding.
The Ministry is encouraging partners, stakeholders, and members of the international community to follow the conversation and engage with Liberia’s vision for a more inclusive and peaceful future driven by its young people.