GANTA, Nimba – District eight representative Larry P. Younquoi has provided an update to the people of Nimba about his recent visit to Kenya. Speaking to the Voice of Gompa early this week, Younquoi informed citizens that his visit to the sister country was fruitful.

“As a matter of fact, I went to represent the Government of Liberia at a seminar that was called by the African Parliamentary Forum Patrician Development Council,” Younquoi said.

Younquoi said the forum was in continuation of what was initiated years back in Addis Ababa upon the request of the United Nations and Experts from the Economic Community of West African States to create a network of African parliamentarians.

The Nimba Lawmaker noted that the objective of the forum was to discuss Africa’s population issues and sensitize other lawmakers on what could be done to improve the quality of life on the continent.

He said the gradual transition from the Millennium Development Goals to the Sustainable Development Goals was also discussed.

Although Liberia was not previously registered as a member of the forum, he pleaded for Liberia’s full membership during his first appearance at their conference in Addis Ababa.

Additionally, Younquoi said that this year’s seminar in Kenya was centered around how each country can craft a budget that will ably cover Africa’s population.

“Africa’s population is growing every day, and we as lawmakers need to take decisions through the budgetary process that will change that number into human capital,” Younquoi said. “If we don’t do that now, we will have more problems in the future then what we have now,”

Younquoi revealed that the Sustainability Development Goals is an initiative that will see the support of both the United Nations and the International Planned Parenthood Federation with a focus on young people empowerment.

Younquoi currently serves on the House Standing Committee on Good Governance as Chairman.