Liberian Youth Rally for Climate Action at National Youth Post COP29 Conference

MONROVIA: As the world continues to battle the devastating effects of climate change, young people in Liberia are stepping up, determined to make their voices heard. On February 12, 2025, youth climate advocates gathered at iCampus in Monrovia for the National Youth Post-COP29 Conference, hosted by the Liberian Youth for Climate Action and supported by ActionAid Liberia

Themed "Unpacking the Baku Climate Unity: Strengthening Meaningful Youth Participation in Climate Action," the conference provided a space for young people to reflect on the key outcomes of COP29, the global climate summit held in Baku, Azerbaijan, and strategize how they can play a more active role in shaping climate policies at home.

COP29 brought together world leaders, scientists, and activists to discuss solutions to the climate crisis, focusing on critical issues like climate finance, adaptation, and loss and damage. Youth activists from across the world used the platform to demand urgent action, calling for increased funding to help vulnerable nations like Liberia adapt to rising temperatures, floods, and extreme weather events

For young Liberians, this was more than just another international conference. It was a reminder of how climate change is already affecting their daily lives, from severe floods displacing families in riverine communities to coastal erosion swallowing homes along Monrovia’s shores

Ezekiel Nyanfor, Executive Director of LYCA, emphasized that Liberian youth played an active role at COP29 and are committed to ensuring that their voices remain part of climate discussions at home.

“At COP29, the youth of Liberia was fully represented, from organizing side events to following negotiations and engaging in bilateral meetings,” Ezekiel said.

He also stressed the need for effective coordination between young climate change professionals and the government through relevant line ministries and agencies.

With forests covering nearly 70% of the country’s landmass, Liberia plays a crucial role in global climate mitigation efforts. However, the country also ranks among the most climate-vulnerable nations, facing severe environmental challenges.

Speaking on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Benjamin Karmoh, Chief Technical Advisor and UNFCCC Focal Point at the EPA, highlighted Liberia’s stance at COP29 and the ongoing struggle for climate financing

“Liberia, being part of the African group of negotiators, the least developed country group, we expected that the climate finance, that the international community would have delivered at least 1 trillion United States dollars,” Karmo says, “but unfortunately, we got a deal that some parties were not happy with,”

Despite the setbacks, he stressed that young people must remain engaged, advocating for funding and policies that prioritize climate adaptation in Liberia

Similarly, Hon Ansu V S Dulleh Sr, Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), warned that climate-induced disasters are increasing across the country

“We are already seeing the effects of climate change; coastal erosion is washing away homes, floods are destroying livelihoods, and unpredictable weather patterns are making it harder for farmers to grow food,” Dulleh warned

He urged young people to become leaders in climate action, raising awareness and pushing for policies that build resilience in their communities

For many attendees, the key takeaway from the conference was the need for greater youth involvement in decision-making

Hawa Karlie, a young climate advocate, stressed the importance of including young people in policy discussions

“I recommend that our government should take youth into consideration and provide opportunities that youth voices will be heard with their involvement, climate change can be addressed,” Karlie stated

Her call resonated with many participants, who emphasized that young people are not just future leaders; they are leaders now

The National Youth Post-COP29 Conference was also graced by the deputy minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Hon. Ibrahim Nyei, and the Federation of Liberia Youth, among others. It ended with a renewed commitment from young climate advocates to take local action while remaining engaged in global climate discussions.  As the global conversation on climate change continues, Liberian youth are making it clear: they will not be bystanders in the fight against the climate crisis. According to the participants, they are ready to lead, act, and demand change for themselves, their communities, and the generations to come.