“Women-led Development and South-South Cooperation: Success Stories from IBSA fund”
UN HQ, New York | Thursday, March 12, 2026
~~~~~~
Thank you.
Your Excellencies, distinguished Ministers, the representatives of India, Brazil and South Africa, colleagues from the United Nations, Ladies and gentlemen;
At the outset I want to thank the Permanent Missions of India, Brazil and South Africa for convening us here today. It is an honor for Liberia to join this important dialogue on women led development and the transformative promise of south south cooperation through the IPSA Fund.
As the final speaker, I would suppose, I have the privilege not only of reflecting on the thoughtful interventions already shared, but also of placing them within a broader perspective. What partnerships such as these meant for countries like mine.
The IBSA Fund is more than a financial mechanism. It is a statement. A statement that emerging economies can shape global development not only as beneficiaries, but as contributors and co-creators. A statement that solutions are often most effective when they grow from the experience, solidarity and shared realities of the Global South.
For Liberia, this spirit resonates deeply. Our own history reminds us that nations with shared experiences of struggle and resilience can achieve remarkable progress when they work together in partnership.
Liberia is deeply grateful to the governments of India, Brazil and South Africa, as well as to the United Nations Office for South South Cooperation for supporting a project that speaks directly to one of our most urgent national priorities, strengthening the leadership and political participation of women. Our initiative, “Women Legislators in Liberia: Promoting Voice, Leadership and Gender Responsive Governance”, reflects the essence of the IBSA model: rooted in national priorities, driven by local institutions and supported by international solidarity. This initiative seeks to strengthen the capacities of women legislators, promote gender sensitive lawmaking and expand opportunities for women economic empowerment, particularly in rural communities.
In our national context, Project implementation is progressing across eight target counties. These include Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, Margibi and Montserrado Counties.
The Women's Economic Empowerment component will target 3,800 women directly with support aimed at strengthening women's access to income, skills, savings, productive resources and economic opportunities. This includes activities on adult learning and literacy, village savings and loan associations, entrepreneurship and business development, financial inclusion, agricultural cooperatives, market linkages and digital assets to strengthen women's economic resilience and participation at household and community levels. Implementation arrangements are now underway. A CSO partner has been selected to support delivery of activities in the project counties and an inception meeting has already been held to confirm implementation arrangements. Implementation of activity is commencing as well.
This project's institutional support component is also steadily advancing. A project coordinator has been hired to support day to day coordination and follow up implementation. The mentorship and internship component is advancing with guidance materials for mentors and mentees currently being finalized to guide implementation. An experience sharing arrangement under the South-South Cooperation component is tentatively planned for April which will provide an opportunity to share lessons, strengthen partnerships and support learning.
Colleagues, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen;
At this juncture, I would like to recognize our distinguished honorables and legislators including Hon. Ellen Attoh-Wreh, the Chairperson of the Women's Legislative Caucus of Liberia and her colleagues, Honorables Julie Fatoma Weah and Hon. Gbessie Soni Faika.
Why women's leadership matters?
Our democracies grow stronger when women lead.
Our economies grow stronger when women thrive. And our societies grow more resilient when girls imagine themselves in every place where decisions are made.
Liberia has a proud history of women's leadership: from the market women whose courage sustained communities during times of conflict, to civil society leaders who helped secure peace; to women who have served at the highest levels of governance.
The IBSA supported initiative builds on this legacy by strengthening the next generation of Liberian women leaders and ensuring that their voices are reflected in the policies that shape our future.
To conclude,
The IBSA initiative aligns with our national development agenda. It allows for strengthening partnership. This alignment with Liberia's national development priorities under our ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. It's focused on Agriculture, Roads and Infrastructure, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation and Health and Tourism.
Colleagues,
In the essence of time I will end by saying that the greatest investment any country can make today is investment in its women's population; is investment in girls; is investment in young people.
This is particularly significant for developing countries. It is absolutely critical for a continent like Africa that is experiencing a population boom, where about 64% of the population are youthful between 7 to 24. It is very critical that we take these issues very seriously.
Let me also remind you of the dire circumstances that women in Sudan are going through. Our prayers are with them. We are following up on this issue as a member of the Security Council, and our support to this initiative is 100%. And we look forward to continuing the good work.
Thank you.
