NDMA Commits to Youth Inclusion in Disaster Risk Policy

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to placing young people at the heart of disaster risk reduction and resilience policy formulation, emphasizing the importance of inclusiveness and youth participation in building a more prepared and resilient Liberia.

This pledge was made on Saturday, August 23,2025 in Monrovia during a one-day Youth-Led Brief Validation Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (DRRR) held under the theme “Enhancing Youth Participation in Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience”.

The event was hosted by Youth Bridge, in collaboration with Liberian Youth for Climate Actions, Youth Humanitarian Movement, and supported by ActionAid-Liberia.

NDMA Administrative Director Augustine Kemokai

Speaking at the forum, NDMA Administrative Director Augustine Kemokai stated that the agency prioritizes fostering an inclusive working environment through the implementation of community-based disaster risk reduction programs.

“We aim to promote teamwork, respect, and professionalism by working with all partners at the community level to build preparedness and resilience,” Kemokai said.

He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration to improve preparedness, response, and recovery mechanisms in disaster-affected communities.

“We call for partnerships that allow for mutual support, sharing of expertise, and access to best practices in disaster management. NDMA’s mandate is to develop, coordinate, and implement national disaster risk reduction policies and strategies. This includes ensuring effective coordination among stakeholders and building capacity within communities and institutions,” he noted.

Kemokai concluded by highlighting the agency’s commitment to identifying operational gaps and addressing them through targeted processes, training, and capacity-building efforts.

Speaking on behalf of ActionAid Liberia (AAL), Ezekiel Nyanfor, Climate Justice and Humanitarian Response Inspirator from ALL, commended NDMA’s commitment to centering youth in disaster risk reduction and resilience policy saying Young people are not only the most affected by disasters, but they also hold the creativity, innovation, and determination needed to build stronger, more resilient communities.

“We believe that meaningful youth engagement transforms policy from a document into action that saves lives and strengthens Liberia for generations to come,” Nyanfor said.

Meanwhile, Youth Bridge Executive Director, Bill Nuquay said “Youth Bridge is proud to have convened this Youth-Led Brief Validation Forum, which demonstrates that young Liberians are ready and willing to take an active role in shaping disaster resilience policies. We urge all stakeholders to harness the energy, ideas, and leadership of youth. When we involve young people meaningfully, we ensure policies are not only inclusive but also practical, sustainable, and reflective of the communities they are meant to protect.”

Delivering a special remark, Lovett Michael, Youth Coordinator at UNDP Liberia, urged stakeholders to adopt sustainable strategies that would remain effective even in the absence of international aid.

“Sustainability has always been a hallmark of effective policy. We must consider the global shift from aid to trade. This means we can no longer be reactive; we must be proactive. Our policy documents must stand even when external support fades,” he emphasized.

Lovett Michae

Patrick F. Wee, Montserrado Coordinator of the Federation of Liberian Youth, reminded young people of the vital role they play in climate resilience and disaster response.

“The climate crisis is not a distant threat. It is a present danger impacting our lives today. As youth, we are not just stakeholders; we are architects of our own future,” Wee said.

He criticized the proposed 2024 DRRR policy for failing to adequately include youth perspectives.

“This omission is more than a missed opportunity; it undermines the essence of our mission. Young people bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. We need a policy framework that ensures youth are included at all levels of decision-making,” he asserted.

Wee encouraged Liberian youth to engage critically, collaborate actively, and push for implementation of their policy recommendations.

“Let us be bold. Let us be innovative. We must demand that our leaders not only listen but take decisive action.”

Idrisa L. Kamara, Senior Project Officer at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), reaffirmed CRS’s commitment to working with youth-led organizations to build resilient communities.

“CRS remains actively involved in emergency response and disaster management. We will continue to support grassroots efforts and initiatives led by youth,” Kamara said.

Roberto R. Cooper, Jr., Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, also called for stronger youth representation in policymaking.

“The 2012 policy made progress, but the 2024 draft still has significant gaps. I’m excited that NDMA has pledged to put young people at the center of disaster policy planning. This is a critical step forward,” Cooper Jr. stated.

By Joseph Tumbey