By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
A Liberian youth and peace advocate, Gwendolyn Myers the Executive Director of Messenger of Peace, (MoP), has received high-level recognition at the African Union Commission during the first Statutory Technical Meetings of the African Governance Architecture–African Peace and Security Architecture (AGA–APSA) Platform.
The recognition follows the successful implementation of the first African Union Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (AU-PCRD)–supported school renovation project on the continent, delivered in Liberia through Messengers of Peace, Liberia Inc.
The MoP Executive Director, Myers was also commended for organizing the inaugural Right to Development Regional Youth Strategy Forum in Liberia held in December 2025.
The forum convened youth leaders and key stakeholders to advance dialogue on development, governance, and sustainable peace across the region.
Speaking from Addis Ababa, she described the moment as both humbling and affirming.
“It is a profound honor to see this success story referenced by high-level continental stakeholders and projected within the halls of the African Union,” she said.
“These acknowledgements affirm that youth-led action, when rooted in purpose and supported by governing institutions, can deliver tangible peace dividends.”
She noted that the recognition strengthens her resolve to continue advancing youth participation in peacebuilding across Africa.
“With the confidence placed in us by the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department of the African Union Commission comes a renewed responsibility,” she stated.
“We remain committed to advancing the peace mandate and ensuring that young people are not just beneficiaries of peace processes, but active architects of sustainable development.”
Stakeholders from various Regional Economic Communities (RECs) reportedly cited the Liberian initiative as a practical example of how coordinated institutional support and youth leadership can produce measurable post-conflict reconstruction outcomes.
The AGA–APSA Platform meetings gathered policymakers, technical experts, and representatives from AU member states to strengthen collaboration between governance and peace and security mechanisms across the continent.
The recognition marks a significant milestone for Liberia’s youth-led peacebuilding efforts and reinforces the country’s growing visibility within continental development and reconstruction frameworks.
