MONROVIA – As climate change increasingly impacts lives worldwide, young people in Liberia are rising to make a difference. On February 12, 2025, youth climate advocates convened at iCampus in Monrovia for the National Youth Post-COP29 Conference, organized by Liberian Youth for Climate Action and supported by ActionAid Liberia.
The conference, titled “Unpacking the Baku Climate Unity: Strengthening Meaningful Youth Participation in Climate Action,” allowed young voices to reflect on outcomes from COP29, the global climate summit held in Baku, Azerbaijan. They aimed to plan how to enhance their involvement in shaping local climate policies.
COP29 united leaders, scientists, and activists to explore solutions to the climate crisis. Key topics included climate finance, adaptation strategies, and damage from climate impacts. Activists globally pushed for urgent actions, stressing the need for increased funding to help vulnerable nations like Liberia deal with severe weather events and climate effects.
For many young Liberians, the conference was a personal issue. They witness firsthand how climate change disrupts their lives—severe floods driving families from their homes in river communities and coastal erosion threatening properties along Monrovia’s coastline.
Ezekiel Nyanfor, Executive Director of LYCA, highlighted the active role of Liberian youth at COP29. He stated that their voices must continue to resonate in discussions back home.
“At COP29, we were fully engaged, organizing events and participating in negotiations,” Ezekiel mentioned. He also pointed out the necessity of cooperation between young climate advocates and relevant government bodies.
With nearly 70% of Liberia covered by forests, the country plays a key role in global climate efforts. However, it also stands among the nations most vulnerable to climate change, facing numerous environmental challenges.
Benjamin Karmoh, Chief Technical Advisor at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), spoke about Liberia’s goals at COP29 and the ongoing battle for climate financing. He expressed disappointment about funding commitments and stressed the importance of youth advocacy for climate adaptation funds.
“We expected significant financial support from the international community, but the results were lacking,” Karmoh noted. He encouraged young people to keep advocating for necessary funding and policies to help Liberia adapt to climate changes.
Hon. Ansu V. S. Dulleh Sr., Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), warned about the rising risks of climate-induced disasters. He illustrated how coastal erosion and unpredictable weather patterns are disrupting lives and food production.
“The effects of climate change are evident,” Dulleh declared. He called on youth to lead in climate action, urging them to foster awareness and push for policies that strengthen community resilience.
Many conference attendees shared a common takeaway: the need for more youth participation in decision-making about climate issues. Hawa Karlie, a young climate advocate, highlighted the importance of including young voices in policymaking.
“The government should involve young people more in discussions. If youth are part of the conversation, we can effectively address climate change,” Karlie asserted. Her sentiments resonated with many attendees who believe that today’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but are leaders today.
The National Youth Post-COP29 Conference concluded with a renewed pledge from young climate advocates to engage actively in local initiatives while participating in global climate dialogues. Liberian youth are determined to take charge, making it clear that they are not bystanders; they are ready to lead, act, and demand change for themselves and future generations.
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