Foreign Affairs Cluster

Meet the Foreign Affairs Cluster

The Foreign Affairs Cluster of the Coalition of Liberian Experts in America (COLED) is comprised of highly skilled and experienced professionals who are passionate about the role of development diplomacy in national growth. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, having undergone rigorous training and development in their respective fields. They are committed to working together to leverage their collective expertise and advance Liberia’s foreign policy goals

Critical Issues

In collaboration with the Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the cluster is striving to achieve the following objectives:

Modernization of Liberia’s foreign service: This includes improving institutional capacity, human resources, technological integration, and performance management within the Ministry.
Increased development assistance: By attracting more development aid from key donors, the cluster aims to support Liberia’s economic growth and social development.
Enhanced international relations: The cluster seeks to strengthen Liberia’s diplomatic ties with other nations and international organizations, promoting cooperation and collaboration on shared concerns.
Improved consular services: The cluster is dedicated to providing efficient and effective consular services to Liberian citizens abroad, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Key stakeholders involved in this initiative include:

The Foreign Affairs Cluster of COLED
The Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
International development partners
Liberian diaspora communities
Civil society organizations

In addition, the MFA cluster will work on:

Expanding on the role of technology in modernizing consular services, such as online visa applications, passport renewals, and citizen registration.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration with non-state actors, such as civil society organizations and the private sector, in achieving foreign policy goals.
Addressing the need for gender balance and youth representation in the foreign service.
Incorporating a section on ethical considerations and professional conduct for diplomats.

Including a glossary of terms to aid comprehension for a wider audience

To accomplish these goals, the Foreign Affairs Cluster will work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to implement the following strategies

Capacity building: This includes training programs for MFA staff to enhance their diplomatic skills, negotiation tactics, and understanding of international relations.
Diaspora engagement: The cluster will leverage the expertise of Liberians living abroad to address gaps in the foreign service and tap into their international networks.
Public diplomacy: The cluster will promote Liberia’s development priorities and achievements on the global stage, attracting potential donors and investors.

Technology adoption: The cluster will encourage the use of technology to modernize processes within the MFA, improving efficiency and effectiveness.

The anticipated outcomes of this collaboration include:

A more modern and efficient Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Increased development assistance and foreign investment.
Stronger international partnerships.
Improved consular services for Liberian citizens.

We have included the MFA Roadmap with the following additional objectives:

Increased collaboration and knowledge sharing with other West African countries undergoing similar MFA reforms.
Prioritization of the needs of Liberian citizens.
Embracing technology to modernize processes and improve efficiency.
Strengthening institutional capacity through training, performance management, and streamlined organizational structure.
Ensuring transparency and accountability in the MFA’s activities.
Securing adequate financial resources and political will to support the reform efforts.
Mitigating potential risks and challenges associated with the reform process.
Establishing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system to track progress and make necessary adjustments.

A detailed implementation plan with specific timelines, budgets, and assigned responsibilities for each phase of the modernization process.
A comprehensive risk assessment that identifies potential challenges and outlines mitigation strategies.
A robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress, measure impact, and ensure accountability.
A communication strategy to engage stakeholders and build public support for the reforms.
A sustainability plan to ensure the long-term success of the modernization efforts.

S. Sando Wayne, Sr.

Acting Chairman

Chairperson, Foreign Affairs Cluster, COLED

Sando Wayne, II, is a distinguished leader with an impressive career that encompasses public service, international development, and education. His evolution from student activist to influential roles in government and international organizations showcases his unwavering commitment to Liberia’s progress and development.