The Government of the United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia’s development and democratic governance.
According to the Ambassador of the United Kingdom accredited to Monrovia, Liberia, Neil Bradley, his country will continue its involvement across different sectors.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Liberia mission in London, where he held insightful discussions ‘about greater cooperation between Liberia and the UK’ with his Liberian counterpart, Amb. Gurly T. Gibson Schwarz, Bradley announced five key areas where the UK Government has remained engaged across Liberia- emphasizing health, education, climate change, biodiversity, and security.
Under healthcare and education, he explained that the British government is providing US$2.6m dollars to Mary’s Meals helping more than 157,000 children in Liberia reduce hunger- for the period 2021-to 2024.
Amb. Bradley emphasized that the impact of this initiative is based on visitation to the project site in Bomi County.
He said the United Kingdom is also providing US$5m to power Nutrition and financing facility run by UNICEF, targeting 1.3 million women and children to reduce the prevalence of stunting in Liberia from 36% to 33% by 2024; as well as contributing US$80,000 to UNFPA in Liberia to reduce unintended pregnancies and maternal deaths.
The project is seeking to improve maternal newborn and child health.
He mentioned the annual Chevening scholarship program provides master’s scholarships for Liberians to enroll at top UK Universities, as one of the areas of the UK’s engagement with Liberia in education.
As regards the Economy, he stated that the United Kingdom is a major contributor to the World Bank US$6.3m to Liberia- to help fund the construction of the south-eastern corridor.
According to Ambassador Bradley, the UK-funded projects and grants are supporting the government of Liberia to develop the necessary tools and systems to strengthen forest governance, thus safeguarding Liberia’s precious natural resources.
He explained that the UK will continue to collaborate and strengthen bilateral relationship between Liberia and the United Kingdom.
On her part, Ambassador Gurly Gibson Schwarz said increasing collaboration with the United Kingdom as a key donor to international development ‘is a key preoccupation of the Liberian diplomatic mission in London.’
She indicated that such increasing collaboration with the UK is reflective of progress in many sectors.
Such interaction at various levels of the UK and Liberia governments- and people-driven forums are crucial to both countries.
As Liberia and the United Kingdom edge toward a trade deal, Ambassador Gurly Gibson Schwarz recalled the support of the UK during the UK-Liberia business conference that focused on Liberia’s innovative approach to the extractive industries that highlighted- sustainable development and renewable energy.
She applauded Ambassador Bradley for continuing the partnership and breaking new grounds in Liberia and the United Kingdom towards furthering cooperation between their governments and people.
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