Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan- Liberia has been appointed as the Co-Lead for Agenda Item 18 of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) at the upcoming Twenty-ninth Conference of the Parties (COP29), marking a significant milestone in the country’s role in global climate negotiations.
The appointment, announced on November 8, 2024, during a pre-COP29 meeting in Baku, places Liberia at the forefront of global climate action, particularly in Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE).
Teddy P. Taylor, Liberia’s Youth & Climate Change Coordinator and National Focal Point for ACE at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will represent the country in this crucial role.
ACE is a crucial framework under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It aims to mobilize communities and individuals around climate action through education, public participation, and international cooperation, as laid out in Article 6 of the Convention and Article 12 of the Paris Agreement.
In his remarks at the meeting, Taylor emphasized the importance of ACE in advancing climate action globally.
“Implementing all six elements of ACE, ranging from climate education to public access to information, is vital for building a more resilient, low-emission world,” he emphasized.
He also stressed the importance of engaging young people in these efforts, noting that the younger generation plays a key role in driving the transition to a sustainable future.
The Chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) announced and commended Taylor for his ongoing commitment to advancing the ACE agenda.
He also acknowledged Liberia’s growing influence in shaping Africa’s position on climate-related issues, particularly as they pertain to empowering communities and individuals in climate action.
Liberia’s appointment as Co-Lead for this pivotal agenda item reflects the country’s increasing leadership in global climate diplomacy and its dedication to addressing climate change challenges at home and across the African continent.
The country’s involvement in the SBI’s ACE discussions will ensure that climate action is inclusive, accessible, and impactful for all.
As Liberia prepares for its role at COP29, the appointment underscores the nation’s commitment to mitigating climate change and empowering its citizens, especially youth, to be active participants in the global climate movement.
