Africa-Press – Liberia. Belém, Brazil — Liberia issued a strong call for unified climate justice at COP30, urging Africans on the continent and across the diaspora to stand together in global climate decision-making. Delivering Liberia’s national statement at the High-Level Segment, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA), outlined a vision anchored in unity, ambition, and practical action.
Addressing delegates and the wider African diaspora, Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that while Africa contributes least to climate change, it bears some of its harshest impacts. He called for solidarity between Africans worldwide, noting, “We are one people, with one history—and we must shape one resilient future together.”
Liberia aligned with the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group and commended Brazil’s leadership of COP30. The country reaffirmed support for the Recognition of Africa’s Special Needs and Circumstances, as reflected in the Paris Agreement, and endorsed the Belém Declaration on People of African Descent, highlighting dignity, rights, and leadership for African-descended communities globally.
In a message aimed at unifying action, Liberia appealed to:
The African diaspora to support Africa’s demand for recognition of Special Needs and Circumstances.
Africans on the continent to stand with communities across the Americas and the Caribbean as they seek a greater role in climate governance.
Outlining concrete national commitments, Dr. Yarkpawolo announced that Liberia has submitted its Third-Generation Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), targeting a 64% reduction in emissions by 2035. He underscored adaptation as the national priority, calling for a fully operational Global Goal on Adaptation with measurable indicators and accessible, predictable, grant-based finance.
Liberia also spotlighted nature-based solutions—protecting forests, mangroves, and wetlands—as central to resilience and mitigation, urging stronger financing partnerships to scale results.
The country reiterated its alignment with the African Group on a development-centered, nationally driven Just Transition that expands energy access, safeguards communities, and avoids harmful trade measures.
“Climate justice for Africa must be a point of convergence for all African people—on the continent and in the diaspora,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said, calling COP30 a moment to strengthen unity and shared purpose.
Liberia concluded by reaffirming its commitment to African unity and multilateral cooperation, positioning the country to help shape a fairer, more conducive environment.
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