Engaging, informative, and child-centered:

Grand Gedeh, Liberia – UNICEF Liberia has successfully concluded a strategic county-level engagement in Grand Gedeh, marking a significant step toward localized planning for children. The workshop, held under the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Local Government) and the Office of the County Superintendent, convened key stakeholders to draft a County Operational Plan.

This collaborative process is designed to strengthen UNICEF’s partnership with the Government of Liberia, ensuring alignment with national priorities such as the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), the Decentralization Policy, and the County Development Agenda.

In his opening remarks, Grand Gedeh County Superintendent, Honourable Alex Chersia Grant, underscored the profound impact of child-focused planning. "Investing in the welfare of children creates a ripple effect on the overall development of Grand Gedeh," he stated. He welcomed the county’s selection for UNICEF’s convergence approach, noting its relevance as the county hosts a growing Burkinabé population estimated at 48,000, which includes many children. He stressed the collective duty to ensure that no vulnerable child is overlooked as the decentralization policy takes effect.

Government officials from central and county levels, alongside representatives from the children’s representative forum and the adolescent girls advisory panel, praised the shift toward county-driven planning. They noted that empowering local authorities to define their own priorities strengthens ownership, enhances coordination, and ensures accountability for results.

UNICEF Representative Andrew Brooks reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to partnership-driven development. He highlighted that this new planning approach improves alignment with government priorities and enables joint measurement of impact. "We must employ a robust 'whole of government approach' to address children’s vulnerabilities," Brooks urged. He applauded the county authorities for their leadership and reiterated UNICEF’s dedication to supporting the creation of child-friendly counties across Liberia, with Grand Gedeh firmly at the forefront of this vision.