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The Lord Mayor of Monrovia, John-Charuk Siafa, and the Deputy Mayor of Freetown, Kweku Lisk, have pledged to deepen collaboration between the two cities, rooted in their shared history and aspirations for sustainable urban growth.
Speaking at this year’s Monrovia Day celebrations, Deputy Mayor Lisk emphasized the importance of the relationship between the sister cities, noting that ongoing cooperation at both the people-to-people and diplomatic levels is essential for fostering development.
“At a time when cities are facing unprecedented challenges, we must work together,” Lisk commented, underscoring the vital partnership that exists between Sierra Leone and Liberia.
During the Monrovia Week festivities, which took place from the 13 to the 14 February, 2025, Lisk moderated a dynamic 90-minute panel discussion on Sustainable Communities. The event gathered prominent figures, including Liberia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Jerror Cole Bangula, and Samuel Dean, Executive Director of the National Commission on Disability of Liberia.
The Discussion topics were centered around critical urban development drivers, such as citizen engagement, youth empowerment, and inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities. “The need for financial resources for developing cities cannot be overstated,” Lisk implored, highlighting the dire importance of funding to support initiatives aimed at creating sustainable communities.
Siafa extended the invitation to Lisk and the delegation from Freetown to participate in the Monrovia Week celebrations, highlighting the importance of cross-border cooperation. Discussions also tackled pressing issues concerning municipal governance, waste management, and environmental sustainability, all aimed at presenting actionable solutions to address urban challenges within Monrovia.
Key themes throughout the discussions included the shared challenges both cities face, particularly in creating job opportunities for youth, implementing drug prevention programs, and fostering inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities.
Lisk shared insights from Freetown’s “Transform Freetown – Transforming Lives Development Plan,” a strategy advocating for the active participation of youth and women in environmental and urban governance.
The commitment between Monrovia and Freetown demonstrates a robust determination to harness collaborative strength in addressing mutual challenges, as both cities seek a future defined by empowerment, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
