Buchanan, Grand Bassa County– The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, in collaboration with national and international partners, hosted a two-day youth-focused workshop on Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from December 16-17, 2024. The event convened youth leaders, government officials, and civil society organizations to assess progress, challenges, and lessons learned in implementing Liberia’s NDC 2.0.

The workshop emphasized the essential inclusion of youth and gender in the fight against climate change. Its objective was to evaluate Liberia’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 64% by 2030 and to prepare for the next phase of the NDC (NDC 3.0), which will prioritize youth and gender-sensitive strategies.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the EPA, highlighted the pivotal role of young people in climate action. He urged participants to concentrate on two critical areas: environmental education and green job creation.

“In sustainability, we consider how the current generation can utilize resources to ensure their availability for future generations,” Dr. Urey-Yarkpawolo stated. “Quality environmental education and the creation of green jobs should be central to youth engagement in our climate initiatives.”

The EPA leader revealed ongoing partnerships with the University of Liberia that have established undergraduate and graduate programs in Environmental Science to equip Liberians with the knowledge essential for fostering sustainable development. He also called on stakeholders to prioritize innovative projects, hands-on internships, and eco-friendly business initiatives that could create jobs while addressing climate challenges.

Quoting youth activist Vladislav Kaim, Dr. Urey-Yarkpawolo remarked, “Young people need skills and careers centered around a green purpose. This green purpose will enable them to utilize resources today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

The workshop, which included representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Federation of Liberian Youth, created a platform for dialogue on the challenges limiting youth participation in climate policy and action. Participants proposed actionable recommendations to enhance youth roles in climate strategies, including improving awareness and opportunities in the agricultural and financial sectors.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to integrating youth and gender perspectives into Liberia’s climate plans. As the country prepares for the revision of its NDC 3.0, stakeholders expressed optimism about fostering a more inclusive approach to tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development.

Liberia’s NDC stocktake is part of the government’s broader efforts under the Paris Agreement to ensure accountability and inclusivity in its fight against climate change.