Young Liberians are asserting their voices in climate action, illustrated by the National Youth Post-COP29 Conference held on February 12, 2025. They discussed COP29 outcomes and emphasized the urgent need for youth involvement in climate policy. Leaders highlighted challenges in financing and called for collaboration between youth and government for effective climate responses.
In response to climate change challenges, young Liberians are asserting their presence and voice through various initiatives, one notable instance being the National Youth Post-COP29 Conference held on February 12, 2025, at iCampus in Monrovia. Organized by the Liberian Youth for Climate Action with support from ActionAid Liberia, this conference aimed to dissect the outcomes of COP29—the recent global climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The Baku summit facilitated discussions among global leaders and activists, focusing on pressing issues like climate finance and adaptation strategies. Youth advocates worldwide took the opportunity to demand action, particularly stressing the need for substantial financial assistance for vulnerable nations like Liberia, which suffers from extreme weather events and rising temperatures.
For young attendees in Liberia, the conference was a wake-up call, as they are directly affected by climate impacts like floods and coastal erosion. Ezekiel Nyanfor, Executive Director of LYCA, highlighted the youth’s active role at COP29, noting their involvement in organizing events and engaging in negotiations.
He emphasized the necessity for collaboration between the government and young climate professionals to address climate concerns effectively. Liberia, home to vast forests, holds a crucial position in global climate efforts but remains vulnerable to severe environmental issues exacerbated by climate change.
Benjamin Karmoh from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reiterated Liberia’s struggle for climate financing and expressed disappointment with the results from COP29, where expectations for $1 trillion in funding were not met. Despite these challenges, he urged young Liberians to remain proactive in advocating for supportive climate policies.
Hon. Ansu V S Dulleh Sr from the National Disaster Management Agency reinforced the urgency of addressing escalating climate disasters in Liberia. He called on youth to take the lead in climate action, raising awareness and promoting resilience-building initiatives within their communities.
Hawa Karlie, a youth climate advocate, echoed the necessity of integrating youth perspectives into policy discussions, stressing that young individuals are current leaders, not just future ones. She called for governmental consideration of youth inputs for effective climate change responses.
The conference gathered several dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Nyei, the deputy minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration. It concluded with a collective commitment from young climate advocates to act locally while remaining engaged in global dialogues on climate action.
Liberian youth are demonstrating their readiness to take leadership roles and initiate substantial changes, asserting that they will not simply observe but actively fight against climate change impacts.
The National Youth Post-COP29 Conference served as a vital platform for Liberian youth to voice their perspectives on climate action. Key leaders emphasized the importance of youth engagement in decision-making and collaboration with the government. As climate challenges grow, the commitment of young people to lead and advocate for necessary changes becomes increasingly crucial for Liberia’s future.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
