By: Joseph Kerkula
The Secretary General of ActionAid International, Arthur Larok, has underscored the need for civil society organizations (CSOs) to adapt to the rapidly changing global development environment, warning that declining foreign assistance is placing increasing pressure on organizations that provide critical support to vulnerable communities.
Speaking Tuesday evening during a dinner engagement with representatives of various Civil Society Organizations in Monrovia, Mr. Larok noted that the international development landscape is experiencing significant shifts that have led to a reduction in direct external funding for many organizations around the world.
According to him, the decline in foreign aid has weakened the operational capacity of numerous civil society institutions, making it more challenging for them to sustain programs and services aimed at improving the lives of disadvantaged populations.
He stressed that the situation requires organizations to rethink traditional funding models and explore more sustainable alternatives.
Mr. Larok emphasized the importance of innovation, local resource mobilization, and stronger partnerships as key strategies for ensuring the long-term survival and effectiveness of civil society organizations.
He urged CSOs to strengthen collaboration at the local, regional, and international levels in order to respond effectively to emerging development challenges.
“Civil society must continue to evolve and adapt to changing realities,” he said, adding that organizations must build resilience and identify new opportunities to support their missions despite the reduction in external financial support.
The ActionAid International Secretary General reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to supporting grassroots organizations and promoting collective action.
According to him, ActionAid remains dedicated to empowering communities, advancing social justice, and strengthening accountability mechanisms that contribute to sustainable development across Liberia and beyond.
He highlighted further that the critical role civil society organizations play in promoting democratic governance, protecting human rights, advocating for gender equality, and ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard in national development processes.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), Esther Yango, expressed appreciation to ActionAid International for its continued support to civil society organizations throughout Liberia.
Madam Yango described ActionAid as a reliable and dependable partner that has consistently supported community development initiatives, gender equality programs, and social justice campaigns across the country.
She noted that the organization’s interventions have positively impacted many communities and strengthened the capacity of local civil society groups.
Accordingly, the WONGOSOL Executive Director called for sustained collaboration between development partners and local organizations, stressing that strong partnerships remain essential to addressing Liberia’s development challenges and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable citizens.
The dinner engagement brought together leaders and representatives of various civil society organizations to discuss emerging challenges facing the sector, share experiences, and explore strategies for sustaining development initiatives in an era of declining foreign assistance.
