Third edition of the festival shines a spotlight on women and girls, as ActionAid Liberia and partners celebrate Sweden’s unwavering support for rights, dignity, and empowerment across all 15 counties.
BY: JOHN KAMARA TAYLOR
Monrovia, Liberia — ActionAid Liberia has successfully climaxed the 2026 National Cultural Festival, a colorful celebration of Liberia’s rich heritage, while using the occasion to publicly laud the Embassy of Sweden for nine years of steadfast commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, and empowerment of women and girls across the country.
In an emotional tribute, the organization described Sweden as one of Liberia’s most trusted and committed development partners, whose generous and unwavering support has been the bedrock of transformative initiatives, most notably the Just and Equal Communities Project.
“For more than nine years, the Embassy of Sweden has stood alongside our mission and vision,” ActionAid Liberia through its country director madam Elizabeth Johnson said in a statement. “The remarkable journey of the Just and Equal Communities Project and the life-changing impact it has created would not have been possible without Sweden’s generous and unwavering support.”
For ActionAid Liberia and its partners including DOMAFEIGN, LIWEN, SAIL, NAPTAH, and WOCDAL the festival was not merely a cultural showcase but a moment of profound gratitude for a partnership that has empowered communities, transformed lives, and supported Liberia’s national development priorities.
“Your partnership has empowered communities, transformed lives, and supported Liberia’s national development priorities. You have consistently proven to be one of Liberia’s most trusted and committed development partners,” her statement continued.
In the true Liberian way, the organization simply declared: “THANK YOU YAH! Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia.”
The festival, which has become a cornerstone of Liberia’s cultural calendar, brought together talented Liberians from all 15 counties to showcase the richness and diversity of the country’s cultural values, with a special focus this year on elevating the role of women and girls in preserving and advancing those traditions.
Spectators were treated to a dazzling array of performances and exhibitions, including traditional cultural dance groups from across the counties, arts and craft exhibitors displaying local creativity, and traditional clothing and textile designers showcasing Liberian fashion.
The celebration also featured cultural performers, musicians, and traditional artists, alongside traditional food vendors and restaurants offering authentic Liberian cuisine, while comedians and spoken word artists added color and commentary to the festivities.
His Excellency, Ambassador, Karl Backéus, the Ambassador of Sweden to Liberia and Sierra Leone, making remark at the festival, lauded ActionAid Liberia for the partnership and reaffirmed the embassy’s longstanding dedication to promoting women and girls in Liberia, among other national initiatives.
Standing before the gathering, the Ambassador praised the work of the organization and reiterated Sweden’s commitment to continued collaboration in the interest of Liberia’s sustainable development.