(Monrovia, Liberia – March 18, 2025)-The Government of Liberia, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has validated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 2.0 stocktake report and officially launched NDC 3.0. The landmark event, held at Monrovia City Hall on Friday, marks a significant step in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change and align its climate commitments with global goals.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, and representatives of civil society and the private sector.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the EPA, emphasized the importance of the event, noting that it was Liberia’s first-ever national stocktake of climate action since 2015. He highlighted Liberia’s commitment under the Paris Agreement, particularly its pledge to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 64% below projected business-as-usual levels by 2030.

Dr. Yarkpawolo acknowledged significant progress made under NDC 2.0, including increased youth and gender engagement, mobilization of climate adaptation and mitigation funding, and improvements in climate governance. However, he stressed that more resources and strategic collaborations are needed to address remaining challenges.

“As we turn our focus toward the launch of NDC 3.0, we must recognize that we are the last generation that can make a meaningful impact on climate change,” he said. “The next phase of our NDCs will build on lessons learned and incorporate ambitious targets for emissions reduction, renewable energy investments, land and child rights, and biodiversity conservation.”

Dr. Yarkpawolo called on all sectors—government, civil society, the private sector, and international partners—to play an active role in implementing Liberia’s climate commitments.

Deputy Minister for Economic Management at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Dephue Zuo, officially launched NDC 3.0, marking a significant milestone in Liberia’s climate action efforts. He acknowledged the progress made with NDC 1.0 and NDC 2.0 and emphasized the importance of enhancing resilience to climate impacts and contributing to global action in line with the Paris Agreement.

“Climate change is one of the pressing issues facing our climate today,” Zuo stated. “It is affecting our environment, our communities, and our people in slum communities such as Westpoint, New Kru Town, and Greenville, among others.”

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu commended Liberia for its efforts in tackling climate change and reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s green development initiatives.

“Climate change is a global challenge that requires collective action. No country can stand alone,” Ambassador Yin stated. He outlined China’s efforts in climate governance, including its commitment to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. He also praised Liberia’s participation in international climate initiatives, including the establishment of the International Mangrove Center in China.

Ambassador Yin noted that China is eager to collaborate with Liberia in areas such as renewable energy, green infrastructure, and environmental protection.

Aliou Mamadou Dia, UNDP Resident Representative in Liberia, highlighted the urgent need for ambitious climate action as global temperatures continue to rise. He praised Liberia’s commitment to climate action and pledged continued UNDP support under the Climate Promise 2025 initiative.

“The time for decisive action is now,” he stated. “Through Climate Promise 2025, UNDP will help Liberia strengthen its NDC commitments, mobilize climate finance, and ensure inclusive climate policies that prioritize women, youth, and marginalized communities.”

Mr. Dia stressed that financing is key to successful climate action and urged greater investment from both public and private sectors. He also acknowledged the financial support of the UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero in Liberia’s climate efforts.

Att. Uriah Goll, the national consultant on the NDC project, provided insights into the stocktake process, which encompassed three layers: a stocktake assessment, a gap assessment of NDC 2.0, and a gender gap assessment.

Regarding emission reductions, Goll noted that Liberia has achieved a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, amounting to 848 megatons, from the launch of the revised NDC to December 2024. This progress, he said, contributes to the overall target of a 64% reduction by 2030.

In terms of resource mobilization, Atty. Goll reported that of the $490 million earmarked for NDC implementation, $573 million has been committed, with $212 million disbursed. Of the disbursed funds, 93% is project-based, and 7% is allocated for technical assistance. Additionally, 70% of these projects are ongoing, while 16% have been completed.

Atty. Goll also highlighted improvements in the enabling environment, including the establishment of new policies, institutions, and committees such as the National Climate Change Steering Committee, the EPA Board, and the EPA Policy Council.

Mr. John Forkpah Kannah, the in-country national facilitator for the NDC project, outlined the objectives for NDC 3.0, emphasizing the need for advancement and alignment with global goals. He highlighted the importance of improving implementation strategies, increasing emission reduction commitments by 2030, and investing in climate change impacts on vulnerable communities. Mr. Kannah also stressed the need to ensure agricultural and infrastructural resilience to climate change.

As Liberia embarks on the development of NDC 3.0, stakeholders emphasized the importance of ensuring that climate policies are practical, inclusive, and action-oriented. The new NDC framework will prioritize: Stronger emission reduction targets, expanded investments in renewable energy, enhanced protection of forests, freshwater ecosystem, and biodiversity, and Climate adaptation strategies centered on vulnerable communities.

The launch of NDC 3.0 signals Liberia’s deepening commitment to the global climate agenda.

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