NEW YORK, September 21, 2026 — The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, has joined prominent Liberian women leaders at a high-level Women, Peace and Security side event taking place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Dr. Yarkpawolo is among members of the Liberian delegation attending the event, which is organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The event, under the theme “From Pioneers to Global Leaders: Liberia’s Journey in Women, Peace and Security,” is bringing together senior Liberian government officials, women peacebuilders, diplomats, development partners and international stakeholders to reflect on Liberia’s peacebuilding history and the important role of women in promoting peace, security and national development.

Dr. Yarkpawolo was pictured alongside Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection; Madam Leymah Gbowee, Liberia’s 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate; and Hon. Jarso Maley Jallah, Minister of Education.

The gathering will provide an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Liberian women who played historic roles in the country’s peace process, while also highlighting the need to empower a new generation of women and girls to take leadership roles in peacebuilding, governance and development.

A major highlight of the event is the global launch of Liberia’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS NAP III), 2026–2031.

The launch will featured a Presidential Message from H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

The event will also featured a “Legacy Segment: From Pioneer to Global Leaders,” which will bring together some of Liberia’s renowned women peacebuilders, including Madam Leymah Gbowee, Madam Cerue Liyean McGill, Madam Ophelia Eliza Hoff, and Counsellor Dr. Yvette Chesson-Gibson.

The high-level discussions will further focused on financing and sustaining Women, Peace and Security initiatives, bringing together representatives from the Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund, Liberia’s Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the African Union and UN Women.

Dr. Yarkpawolo’s presence at the gathering forms part of his participation in the Liberian delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where Liberia is engaging international partners and stakeholders on issues of national, regional and global importance.

At the EPA, his administration has emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in the institution’s leadership, technical work and decision-making processes. The Agency has continued to recognize the contributions of its female professionals and support initiatives that promote women’s participation across different areas of environmental governance.

His support extends beyond the EPA, as he has consistently emphasized the importance of women and girls in Liberia’s development, particularly in areas such as education, leadership, climate action, environmental protection and community development.

Speaking at the high-level side event, Gender Minister Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, calling for continued efforts to ensure that women and girls are empowered to lead, participate and help shape sustainable peace.

Minister Horace-Kollie expressed appreciation to the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the Permanent Mission of Liberia to the United Nations for their support and coordination.

She also recognized UN Women, development partners, civil society organizations, women peacebuilders and friends of Liberia for their continued partnership in advancing women’s participation in peace and security.

Minister Horace-Kollie said the launch of Liberia’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP III), 2026–2031, provides an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Liberian women who have championed peace while renewing the country’s commitment to ensuring that women and girls have the opportunity to lead and participate in shaping Liberia’s future.