By Vaye Lepolu
MONROVIA, Liberia –The National Youth Congress of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) has announced plans to host its first-ever National Youth Leadership Retreat from June 25 to June 28, 2026, in Ganta, Nimba County, as part of efforts to strengthen youth leadership and political participation across Liberia.
The retreat, which will bring together youth leaders and members of the party from across the country, is being organized under the theme: “Building Responsible Youth Leadership for Democratic Governance and Sustainable National Development.”
According to a statement issued by the MDR Youth Congress chairman Mr Czay M.Palay, the initiative represents a major milestone for the organization and demonstrates its commitment to developing a new generation of competent, ethical, and visionary leaders capable of contributing to Liberia’s democratic and developmental progress.
MDR Youth Congress chairman Mr Czay M.Palay said the four-day gathering will serve as a platform for leadership development, policy discussions, civic education, and organizational strengthening among young political actors within the movement.
The retreat is expected to focus on seven key areas, including youth participation in national leadership, gender inclusion in politics, ethical leadership and accountability, civic engagement, electoral justice, coalition building, and conflict resolution.
The MDR Youth Congress noted that participants will be equipped with practical leadership skills and knowledge necessary to engage effectively in governance, public service, and democratic processes.
The event will also seek to promote greater youth involvement in decision-making, encourage the participation of young women in politics, and strengthen advocacy for transparent elections and peaceful democratic transitions.
In addition, sessions on political dialogue and peacebuilding will provide participants with skills in mediation, negotiation, and consensus-building, while discussions on coalition politics will examine strategies for building effective partnerships within Liberia’s evolving political landscape.
Upon completion of the retreat, organizers expect participants to emerge with stronger leadership abilities, enhanced democratic awareness, improved organizational capacity, and a deeper commitment to ethical political engagement and inclusive governance.
The MDR Youth Congress chairman Mr Czay M. Palay, further stated that recommendations generated from the retreat will be used to strengthen youth participation both within the party and in the broader national political process.
The organization has called on executives, leaders, and members of the Rescue Alliance to support the initiative, describing it as an important investment in Liberia’s future leadership.
“This retreat is not merely an organizational activity; it is an investment in the future leadership architecture of Liberia and a deliberate effort to empower young political leaders to become responsible custodians of democratic governance,” the statement emphasized.
The retreat is being coordinated by a national committee headed by Edwin C. Simpson as National Retreat Chairman, with Louis Payeserving as Co-Chair and Robert T. Swen as Secretary. Several other committees have also been established to oversee planning, fundraising, mobilization, logistics, transportation, and hospitality.
The announcement was signed by Czay Mabulu Palay, National Youth Chairman of the MDR Youth Congress, who reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting democratic values, responsible leadership, political inclusion, and meaningful youth participation in Liberia’s governance affairs.
