By: Keith Morrison |Contributing Writer
Lisbon, Portugal |May 19, 2026 |Earlier yesterday, 18 May 2026, His Excellency Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Liberia to the Portuguese Republic, had the distinct honor of meeting with Madam Rocío Cervera, Deputy Executive Director at the Directorate of Programme Coordination of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, at the Centre’s headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal.
The meeting focused on strengthening Liberia’s engagement and cooperation with the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe and exploring opportunities for future collaboration in support of shared commitments to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
The North-South Centre plays a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and cooperation among Europe, Africa, and other regions of the world. Its principal areas of programming include:
* Youth empowerment and leadership development
* Human rights and democratic governance
* Global citizenship and education
* Women’s empowerment and gender equality
* Intercultural and interfaith dialogue
* Africa–Europe cooperation and policy dialogue
Ambassador Yorlay reaffirmed his longstanding commitment to ensuring that Liberia benefits from the Centre’s broad range of programmes and opportunities, including:
* Participation of Liberian youth leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives in international training programmes and forums;
* Technical assistance to strengthen youth policies, civic education, and democratic participation;
* Partnerships on peacebuilding, gender equality, and human rights education initiatives; and
* Use of the Centre as a platform for building strategic partnerships with European and African institutions.
The Embassy is pleased to note that, according to the Center, the following six young Liberians have benefited from human rights and leadership training programmes organized by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe in 2025:
1. Ariata N. T. Siaway
2. Augustine M. Mulbah
3. Massaquoi D. Kamara
4. Rebecca T. Kromah
5. Samuel K. Doe
6. Victoria W. Johnson
Notably, of the six, two young Liberians who participated in a training programme in Spain in 2025 have since become certified tutors, equipping them to transfer their knowledge and train others in Liberia.
These opportunities align closely with Liberia’s national priorities in youth development, democratic governance, education, and international cooperation.
The Embassy of the Republic of Liberia to Portugal looks forward to deepening its partnership with the North-South Centre and creating additional opportunities for Liberian youth and institutions to engage meaningfully on the global stage.
