Monrovia, Liberia–The Executive Director of Liberian Youth for Climate Actions (LYCA) says young people must not just be invited to climate talks—they must be part of the decision-making.
“When the climate changes, young people feel it most because floods destroy schools, heat affects our health, and bad roads and damaged farms make food scarce and expensive. If we don’t listen to young people now, we are failing our future,” Ezekiel Nyanfor said.
A UNDP press release on Thursday, April 25, 2025 said he spoke at a three-day dialogue, to put youth, children, women, and people with disabilities at the center of Liberia’s Climate Plans, held from April 17 to 19, 2025.
The dialogue, organized by the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) in partnership with UNDP, UNWomen, Medica Liberia, ActionAid Liberia, and other partners, aims to ensure that young people, women, people with disabilities, and children are not excluded from the country’s climate change plans.
Nyanfor stressed that youth groups across Liberia are making an impact in protecting the environment. “We are not just asking to be heard; we are ready to lead. Give us the space, the tools, and the chance to act,” he intimated.
Reinforcing Nyanfor’s comments, Lydia Porkpah, also from the LCYA, said including marginalized groups in the NDC is not just for inclusion but for sustainability. “Young people are future leaders and change makers.; therefore, their perspectives and creative ideas are meaningful to the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) decision-making processes.
The dialogue is part of efforts to develop Liberia’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement. Under the NDCs, each country is required to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the effects of climate change. Liberia’s new plan aims to be more inclusive than ever before.
It was an opportunity to raise awareness of Liberia’s NDC process and climate risks, identify youth, children, and gender-specific climate priorities, build participants’ capacities for climate advocacy, and develop a shared position paper reflecting recommendations for NDC 3.0.
“We’ve made progress, but now we must go further,” said Mr. John Kannah, NDC’s Focus person for Liberia. He explained that Liberia had already taken some steps under the last plan, but it wasn’t enough. “This dialogue provides an opportunity to hear from everyone, especially those whose voices were left out. The next plan must reflect the needs of women, children, youth, and people with disabilities who are often the first to suffer when climate disasters happen,” Kannah noted.
Speaking for UN Women, National Feminist Economist John Smith strongly appealed for gender equality in climate policies. “Climate change does not affect everyone the same way. Women, especially those in rural communities, carry a heavy burden. They walk long distances for water, grow food from dry land, and care for children during climate emergencies. If we plan without them, we will fail,” Smith emphasized.
He continued, “Gender and youth-focused solutions are nice ideas, and the only way we can succeed. If we want a better tomorrow, we must ensure everyone is involved today,” Smith pointed out.
Banica S. Elliott, President of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), delivered a passionate speech calling for more leadership opportunities for young people. “We don’t want to just sit at the table—we want to help shape the menu. Young people must be trusted to lead projects, design policies, and represent their communities. Climate change is our reality. Let us be part of the solution,” Elliot lamented.
She added that Liberia’s climate future will be stronger if the country invests in young people’s education, training, and innovation. “We are the engine of change. Give us fuel, and we will drive Liberia forward.”
Mrs. Laura Bee Kiekpo, Financial Secretary of the Women Empowerment Forum of Liberia under WONGOSOL, also spoke during the event. She reminded the audience of how women at the grassroots are often the first to respond to environmental problems in their communities.
“When floods come, it is women who protect the homes. When crops fail, it is women who find food. We know what our communities need, but we don’t always get the support or attention we deserve. This must change. Women’s groups must be supported and respected as leaders in climate actions,” said Kiekpo.
She called on the government and international partners to fund more local women-led projects and to give women the space to lead in decision-making rooms.
Arthur R.M. Becker, Director of the Department of Multilateral Environmental Agreements at the EPA, said Liberia is ready to show the world that climate leadership must be inclusive.
“This event is more than just talking—it’s about making real change. Our country has signed international agreements, but we must also act at home. When we include everyone—youth, women, children, we build stronger, smarter, and fairer solutions,” Becker said.
On behalf of UNDP, Abraham Tumbey said the dialogue was a powerful reminder that the voices of marginalized groups are essential to shaping the future of climate action in Liberia.
“Your insights, energy, and commitment have enriched this dialogue and laid a strong foundation for inclusive and ambitious contributions to our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). As we progress, let us ensure that the ideas shared are reflected in our policies, actions, and investments. Climate change affects us all, but when we act together, grounded in equity and driven by hope, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity for transformation,” Tumbey pleaded.
The stakeholders participated in group discussions, panels, presentations, and training focusing on protecting children in climate disasters, supporting young people’s ideas, and ensuring women’s voices guide policies.
The ideas shared during the dialogue will directly shape the NDC 3.0 plan, which will be submitted later this year.
Officials from the Ministries of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Youth and Sports, and other government institutions exhibited a strong national support for inclusive efforts.
“I hope we can plait a new mat on the old one to consider what we did not achieve and see how realistic they are and the possibilities of achieving them. While we want to be ambitious, we must be realistic also,” said Curtis V. Dorley, Deputy Minister for Research, Policy and Planning, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The national dialogue marks an important moment in Liberia’s fight against climate change. It is a loud and clear statement that the country is ready to move forward, with everyone at the table, and no one is left behind.