MONROVIA, Feb. 17 (LINA) – The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Liberia has reaffirmed the global body’s commitment to stability within the Mano River Union (MRU) region.
Coordinator Kinsley Amaning said peace and stability in member states are critical to deepening democracy, fostering good governance and sustainable development in the MRU basin.
Established as an economic bloc, the MRU comprises Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire
Amaning was speaking in Monrovia on Monday at the start of three-day MRU/UNDP Joint Action Planning meeting held at a local hotel in Sinkor.
He noted that in the face of terrorism, the spread of diseases such as HIV/Aids and Ebola, environmental degradation and climate change, governance challenges, particularly none conceptual political forms that undermine democratic principles and values, all highlight vulnerability of the people in the sub-region.
Amaning stressed that political transitions have been recorded as well as the promotion of human rights and moderate economic growth in recent times.
He maintained that the UN recognizes the efforts and commitment of the Liberian Government to strengthening peace and stability in the sub-region as well as integration.
According to him, the MRUs valuable mechanism underpins the partnership between the two organizations as extension of the UN as a whole.
He added that it is designed to enhance effectiveness of their development efforts and strengthen regional peace and security as they work to achieve the 2030 agenda for sustainable development in the MRU member states.
Coordinator Amaning emphasized that the UN system for Development and Humanitarian Agencies will be involved with collective efforts to support the Government of Liberia in addressing key Sustainable Development Goals and gaps over the next four years.
He said issues being considered are key issues that the MRU and UNDP should tackle, noting that they include, cross border security and development livelihood, women participation in politic, civil registration, vital statistics and identity management, among others.
