Empowering Liberia: Civil Society Calls for Urgent Fiscal Reform and Climate Justice Before Global Finance Summit

As Liberia approaches the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, civil society leaders are calling for change. They’re pushing for transparency, tax fairness, and climate-conscious policies. With foreign aid decreasing and public debt rising, the need for reform has never been more urgent.

Liberian activists stress that the country’s voice at the summit, from June 30 to July 3, must address pressing issues like rising poverty in rural areas, corruption, and ineffective public services in education and healthcare. “This isn’t just a meeting; it’s the start of a movement,” says Elizabeth Dato Gbah-Johnson, the country director of ActionAid Liberia. “Aid is shrinking, and debt is growing. We won’t just sit back while our people endure hardship.”

On June 13, ActionAid Liberia hosted a national dialogue in Monrovia, gathering 42 civil society groups, including youth, women’s organizations, and trade unions. Abdullah Bility from the Federation of Liberian Youth emphasized, “We’re the ones facing economic injustice and climate change. We’re ready to step up.”

This initiative is part of a global campaign by ActionAid International, targeting issues like climate reform and tax justice. Experts highlight that Liberia is facing severe financial challenges. Cuts to foreign aid, like those from USAID, have cost over $150 million, leading to layoffs and reduced services in critical areas.

Interest in the nation’s financial struggles is rising. A study by ActionAid found that despite extractive industries making up more than half of Liberia’s GDP, they only contribute 16% of domestic revenue. This gap is largely due to tax breaks and poor oversight. The current budget crisis is hitting vulnerable groups the hardest, particularly women and girls, exacerbating issues of poverty and inequality.

Fenny Taylor-Diggs from Medica Liberia raised alarms about funding for gender-based violence programs, noting that 83% of the budget goes to salaries, leaving little for community support. For many organizations, these discussions are crucial for their survival. Tonieh Wiles from the Liberia Feminist Forum declared, “Global financing is a human rights issue. This time, we’ll hold the government accountable.”

As the coalition prepares to present its proposals to government officials on June 17, civil society leaders remain determined. “Let’s ensure our generation isn’t burdened by outdated systems,” Gbah-Johnson concluded.

This shift in focus on transparency and local realities reflects a broader trend seen in many nations where citizens are demanding a greater say in government priorities and financial dealings. Recent studies indicate that when civil societies engage actively, there’s a better chance for reforms that genuinely benefit the public. The efforts in Liberia signal a growing global movement toward empowerment and accountability in governance.

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Liberia’s Civil Society,United Nations-led global summit