About
Youth Development Agency (YDA) is a publicly funded youth capacity building and research entity established in 2012 upon the ratification of the African Youth Charter by the 53rd National Legislature of Liberia under the leadership of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. As a dedicated youth agency, YDA plays a central role in Liberia’s efforts to empower its youth through research, capacity building, and policy advocacy. The agency was birthed with the vision of addressing the challenges faced by young people in Liberia, enhancing their participation in community development, and providing the tools and opportunities necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. As a publicly funded agency, YDA receives annual budgetary allotment from the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Mandate
YDA’s primary mandate is to promote and support youth development through research, advocacy, policy formulation, and capacity building. The agency’s mission is centered around empowering young people to become active contributors to Liberia’s social, economic, and political progress. It works to ensure that the voices of young people are heard and that their needs are considered in the formulation of national policies. By advocating for youth rights and providing critical resources, YDA aims to foster a generation of young Liberians who are equipped to take on leadership roles and drive the country’s development agenda.
Legal Framework and Establishment
Upon the ratification of the African Youth Charter, YDA was established to operate as a statutory youth empowerment agency, which means it is legally recognized and provided with budgetary allotment in the National Budget by the Liberian government. Its establishment marked a major step in formalizing the government’s commitment to youth development and addressing the challenges of youth unemployment, under-education, and social exclusion.