Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – September 5, 2025: The 13th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA XIII) officially opened today at the historic Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, bringing together governments, civil society, financial institutions, and youth voices under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Climate Action for Science, Finance and Justice.”

Representing Liberia, Jeremiah Mulbah, Communications Specialist at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), participated in the high-level session that featured keynote addresses from Afreximbank, the African Development Bank, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the African Union. Speakers highlighted the urgent need to scale up climate finance, strengthen science-driven policies, and promote resilience in key sectors such as agriculture, the blue economy, and environmental sustainability.

Civil society networks, including the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and the African Group of Negotiators, used the platform to advocate for inclusivity and equity in climate decision-making. Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development formally launched the conference, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to regional leadership on climate action and sustainable development. The opening session set a strong foundation for the days ahead, with outcomes expected to influence negotiations and strategies at the forthcoming Second Africa Climate Summit.

Liberia’s delegation also demonstrated strong youth engagement. Joshua T. Gbarnah, Assistant Media Coordinator at the EPA, joined the Inter-Country Youth 4 Climate Action, a global youth network that supports climate solutions through mentorship, funding, and advocacy platforms. By connecting young leaders across borders, the initiative aims to ensure that Africa’s climate policies reflect the voices of the next generation while creating space for youth-led innovations.

With discussions now underway, CCDA XIII is expected to shape Africa’s collective stance on climate finance, justice, and action, reinforcing the continent’s position ahead of global climate negotiations.