Liberia Calls for Bold Global Action to Accelerate Poverty Reduction at 2026 Global Development Forum in Beijing
Liberia Calls for Bold Global Action to Accelerate Poverty Reduction at 2026 Global Development Forum in Beijing
Beijing, China – May 27, 2026 – Agriculture Minster Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah has called for a fundamental shift in the global approach to poverty reduction, urging governments, development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to move beyond traditional aid models and embrace long-term investments that create sustainable opportunities for millions of people.
Minister Nuetah made the call during the First Plenary Session of the Committee of the Global Partnership for Poverty Alleviation and Development (GPPAD), held under the theme "Uniting Global Efforts to Advance Poverty Reduction" as part of the 2026 Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum in Beijing, China. The GPPAD is a newly established international platform jointly launched by China, 53 countries, and nine international organizations to strengthen global cooperation on poverty reduction, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth.
Addressing delegates, Minister Nuetah noted that while significant strides have been made in reducing abject poverty globally, more than 600 million people were still poor, with climate change, conflict, inequality, and rising debt burdens threatening development gains, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia.
"While progress has been made, the question before us is no longer whether we should act, but what we must do differently to lift our people out of poverty," he stated.
The Minister outlined three critical shifts needed to accelerate global poverty reduction: moving from short-term projects to building resilient systems; shifting from aid dependence to productive investment; and ensuring that development efforts reach the most vulnerable communities rather than relying solely on national averages.
According to Dr. Nuetah, lasting poverty reduction requires stronger agricultural value chains, improved infrastructure, expanded market access, and investments that create sustainable jobs, particularly for women and young people.
He further called for increased investment in critical infrastructure, innovative financing mechanisms, stronger support for women-led enterprises and youth employment, and better measurement of development outcomes to ensure accountability and impact.
Calling for greater accountability, the Minister urged governments, development institutions, and the private sector to move beyond declarations and commit to measurable, time-bound actions that deliver real results for communities.
"The tools exist. The knowledge exists. What is needed now is coordination and courage. Let us make commitments that can be measured, funded, and delivered. Together, we can create a future where no one is left behind," he said.
Liberia continues to champion inclusive agricultural transformation, rural development, food security, and private sector-led investment as key drivers of poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth.
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