SRHR Youth Jamboree 2026 Empowers Hundreds of Young Liberians to Champion Health, Rights and Positive Change

June 22, 2026

Monrovia: Hundreds of young Liberians converged at Twister Yard Old Era Hub in Monrovia for the 2026 Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Youth Jamboree.

The two-day gathering is aimed at empowering young people through education, expression, solidarity, and leadership.

Held under the theme “Reclaiming the Narrative: Empowering Youth through Truth, Solidarity, and Expression,” the event was organized by the Amplifyin Rights Network (ARN) in collaboration with a coalition of SRHR organizations, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), KTK, Medica Liberia, and other partners.

The Jamboree brought together high school and university students, out-of-school youth, youth advocates, civil society organizations, development partners, and community leaders from across the country to engage in discussions on health, rights, leadership, and social development.

Participants took part in a variety of educational and recreational activities, including dance competitions, musical performances, spoken-word poetry, and board game tournaments. Organizers said the activities were designed to create a safe and engaging environment while promoting awareness of critical issues affecting young people.

Throughout the event, facilitators led sessions on sexual and reproductive health and rights, mental health, gender equality, consent, substance abuse prevention, and the challenges associated with the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

One of the highlights of the gathering was a spoken-word performance by a young participant who shared a personal story centered on resilience, hope, and social transformation.

The performance drew applause from the audience as it challenged harmful stereotypes and called for greater access to accurate information, quality healthcare services, and equal opportunities for all young people.

Representatives of United Nations agencies, development organizations, and civil society groups also interacted directly with participants, stressing the need to protect human rights and invest in youth development.Speaking at the event, UNFPA Liberia Country Representative Dr. Mady Biaye stressed that young people must be empowered to navigate the transition to adulthood.

And true empowerment begins with having control over one’s own body, health, and personal choices. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting young people and ensuring they have access to accurate information and services that enable them to make informed decisions about their health and future.“

At UNFPA, our mission is simple but profound: to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled” “will continue to work with the government, civil society, and communities to ensure you have the health services, education, and protection you deserve”, Dr. Biaye said.

Interactive discussions and myth-busting sessions formed a key part of the program, helping participants distinguish facts from misinformation while encouraging responsible citizenship and healthy decision-making.

Exhibition booths operated by partner organizations provided confidential counseling services, youth-friendly health information, educational materials, and opportunities for participants to connect with ongoing advocacy and leadership initiatives.

To encourage participation, organizers introduced an early-bird incentive program, raffle prizes, and food vouchers. The initiative contributed to strong attendance and sustained engagement throughout the two-day event.

At the close of the Jamboree, organizers praised the enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment demonstrated by participants, describing the gathering as more than a celebration.“The Jamboree is a movement to strengthen youth voices, counter misinformation, and build a generation equipped to make informed decisions about their health, rights, and future,” organizers noted.

According to the organizers, the event successfully achieved its objectives of promoting solidarity among young people, amplifying youth leadership, advancing accurate SRHR information, and creating a positive space for learning and engagement.

Participants departed with new knowledge, expanded networks, and renewed confidence to serve as advocates for truth, inclusion, and positive change within their communities.

The Youth Jamboree is a collaborative initiative led by ARN and a coalition of SRHR organizations in Liberia.

The platform seeks to empower young people through education, creative expression, networking, and advocacy while promoting accurate information, positive values, and youth leadership across the country.