By Samuel Kpartor
My journey with the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Liberia has been a novel but very exciting, a shift from passive observation to active participation. While I previously perceived the OGP as a distant, abstract concept, directly engaging in its processes, particularly leading the inaugural National Youth Consultation on Open Government, was truly revelatory. This experience served as a critical foundation for shaping Liberia’s new OGP Action Plan, especially given the expiration of the previous one. Even though it was not a central consultation part of the overall OGP Process in Liberia, it laid the foundation for already ongoing conversations for the development of the new OGP National Action Plan (NAP) for Liberia.Â
The State of Youth and Open Governance in Liberia
The vacuum left by the expired plan demanded fresh perspectives and a renewed commitment, and youth, with their inherent stake in the nation’s future, were poised to provide that. The initial conversation was to host a youth-focused dialogue as part of the co-creation process of the NAP. However, we encountered significant bureaucratic hurdles in gaining buy-in from the OGP National Secretariat in Liberia and key Government ministries. The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism -current chair of the OGP in Liberia- was unresponsive but eventually endorsed the event. Overall, there was a lack of urgency to review the NAP which prevailed until we organised our youth consultation.Â
As the National Program Manager (Deputy Secretary for Programs) of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), the umbrella organization for all youth in Liberia and a proud member of the Youth Democracy Cohort, it was important to ensure that youth voices were heard. FLY’s mandate is to represent and advocate for the interests of young people across the nation, and the OGP process presented a vital opportunity to leverage this sphere of influence and bring young people on board a citizen-government dialogue.
Organising the Youth Consultation: A Commitment to Inclusivity
We had several meetings with the Youth Democracy Cohort, Accountability Lab and the OGP on the impact of meaningful youth inclusion on the co-creation process for Liberia. We recognized that young people, as both direct and indirect beneficiaries of OGP commitments, needed to be at the center of these discussions. Our nationwide awareness campaign, driven by FLY’s extensive network, aimed to dismantle the traditional barriers to youth participation, shifting youth inclusion from a singular, tokenistic event to an enduring norm within governance. We sought to educate, inspire, and mobilize young people across the country, emphasizing their right and responsibility to contribute to open governance.
My team and I, with FLY’s support, spearheaded the planning and execution of the youth consultation, prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility. We understood that meaningful engagement required reaching beyond the usual suspects. We engaged youth leaders from diverse backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, ensuring that the consultation reflected the full spectrum of youth experiences. This collaborative effort culminated in a comprehensive outcome document, a testament to the power of collective youth voice, submitted to the OGP Liberia Secretariat, directly influencing the development of the final NAP. This document was not just a compilation of ideas; it was a roadmap for youth-centered open governance.
From Commitment to Implementation
A key lesson learned was the critical gap between commitment and implementation. For many young participants, this was their first substantive engagement with the OGP, and their fresh perspectives and energy were invaluable. Their enthusiasm was a stark reminder of the potential that lies dormant when youth are excluded from governance. The gathering, facilitated through FLY’s technical support and guidance, was not just about creating a document; but rather about building capacity and fostering a culture of collaboration.
Liberia must now shift from reactive to proactive Open Government Partnership (OGP) planning by establishing a system of quarterly reviews and continuous monitoring of commitments. This will strengthen accountability and enhance the effectiveness of the OGP process in driving tangible reforms. A proactive approach will prevent the stagnation that often follows the expiration of action plans, ensuring that the OGP remains a dynamic and relevant tool for fostering positive change.
The OGP Liberia Team must also ensure that commitments are designed to deliver measurable impact for young people and promote meaningful youth inclusion in both the execution and monitoring processes. Youth inclusion in governance is not a mere symbolic gesture; it is an imperative for sustainable development. Our advocacy, driven by FLY’s mission, has laid the groundwork for embedding youth participation within Liberia’s OGP framework.
What’s Next
The launch of Liberia’s new OGP Action Plan in March 2025 marked a significant milestone, demonstrating Liberia’s renewed commitment to the global OGP movement. Notably, it was the first time young Liberians were actively involved in the planning process—not merely as a symbolic gesture, but as a recognition of the valuable insights and perspectives that youth bring to governance.
However, youth involvement must be institutionalized, not treated as a one-time event. Securing statutory representation for youth is essential to ensure sustained contributions to governance and accountability. This requires establishing formal mechanisms for youth participation, ensuring that their voices are consistently heard and their contributions valued without relying on external actors to promote their inclusion.
Achieving this will require sustained effort, continuous dialogue, and a firm commitment to creating a governance system that reflects the needs and aspirations of all citizens, especially young people.
About Samuel Kpartor
(Deputy Secretary for Programs at the Federation of Liberian Youth)
Samuel J. Kpartor is a seasoned youth development specialist with over ten years of experience, bringing a proven track record of success in empowering young people. A 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow, Samuel is a passionate advocate for youth rights and actively works to create positive change in Liberia. As the National Program Manager at the Federation of Liberian Youth, Samuel spearheads transformative initiatives designed to empower Liberian youth and foster their active participation in national development.
He served as the Coordinator of the Liberia Youth Elections Situation Room in October and November 2023, ensuring transparency and integrity during the elections. He served as an African Union Election Observer in the Democratic Republic of Congo in December 2023. Samuel’s qualifications are bolstered by certifications from the International Finance Corporation’s Business Edge, the African Development Bank, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. He is a vocal advocate for youth rights, championing high-quality education, decent employment opportunities, and equal access for all. Through his tireless efforts, Samuel continues to drive positive and lasting change in Liberia, ensuring a brighter future for the nation’s youth.