Liberia has issued a renewed call for global cooperation and increased climate financing as world leaders gather in Belém for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30). With the Amazon rainforest as the backdrop, the conference has drawn heads of state, negotiators, and policymakers to confront escalating climate threats — a challenge felt acutely by vulnerable nations like Liberia.
The West African country dispatched a high-level delegation led by Hon. Dehpue Y. Zuo, Deputy Minister for Economic Management at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Their mission: to ensure Liberia’s climate priorities remain visible in global discussions and to push developed nations to honor long-standing commitments on climate finance.
Throughout bilateral meetings and strategy sessions, Liberia’s representatives underscored the nation’s growing urgency for financial and technological support. The delegation stressed that fulfilling climate finance pledges is essential for countries facing rising sea levels, unpredictable rainfall, coastal erosion, and other climate-related threats.
At the EPA’s National Pavilion, Liberia showcased major strides in environmental protection, forest conservation, renewable energy initiatives, and climate mitigation. A centerpiece of the country’s presence at COP30 was the launch of its Natural Capital Atlas, a landmark publication accompanied by an immersive documentary. The atlas highlights Liberia’s rich biodiversity and the economic value of its ecosystems, positioning the country as an emerging leader in sustainable development and conservation-driven investment.
Liberia also reaffirmed its ambitious climate goals. Its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets a 64% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, aligning with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. The delegation noted that the country’s new Carbon Market Policy will establish a national framework for emissions reduction projects and ensure fair benefit-sharing with local communities.
Throughout COP30, Liberian officials met with development partners, potential investors, and climate advocates to promote green investment opportunities and reinforce the call for global solidarity.
As the conference comes to a close, Liberia’s leadership says the country’s active engagement marks a meaningful step forward. They emphasized that while Liberia is committed to climate action and sustainable growth, stronger international cooperation remains crucial to confronting the global climate crisis.
