“As a development partner to Liberia, we believe that it is important for us to always engage with you to ensure that our activities are highlighted to the people... who are the main beneficiaries of our support to the Government of Liberia,” said Larisa Leshchenko, the new Country Manager of the bank.

She was speaking Tuesday at her first meeting with media executives and managers in continuation of the Bank’s Quarterly Media Dialogue, where it updates the media on project portfolios in Liberia.

Leshchenko explained that the hosting of the Quarterly Dialogue is a fulfillment of the World Bank Access to Information Policy reached in 2010, adding, “We consider the media an important partner in our work in results delivery.”

She assured that the Bank’s local office shall endeavor to have its professional colleagues who regularly visit Liberia to engage and strengthen the knowledge and skills of the Liberian media in various thematic issues.

“These issues range from the economy, to the environment, public financial management, environment, health, and a wide range of issues critical for Liberia’s growth and development,” the World Bank official said.

She added: “Once your skills are strengthened in these areas, we remain confident that you would be adequately equipped to cover these technical areas. We are also going to work with the Liberia Economic Journalists Association (LEJA) for capacity development.”

Leshchenko said the local World Bank office will endeavor to have the media involved in some of its stakeholders’ engagements, noting that this is “very critical for your (media) involvement as we discuss on issues critical for Liberia’s development.”
LINA PTK