November 14, 2024 – COP29 Climate Mobility Pavilion, Voices of Africa…..In a powerful address at the COP29 Climate Mobility Pavilion, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, emphasized the crucial role of African youth in tackling climate mobility challenges. Speaking to a gathering of dignitaries and young representatives, Dr. Yarkpawolo articulated the urgent need for inclusive strategies to confront the climate crisis, particularly in Liberia, where youth constitute 60 percent of the population.

“The Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved without involving and uplifting our youths,” Dr. Yarkpawolo asserted, highlighting the direct impacts of climate change on the nation’s development trajectory. He elaborated on the severe challenges faced by Liberians, including increased flooding that has displaced thousands, particularly affecting young lives and livelihoods. “Our young people, our future, are being robbed of opportunities due to these climate-induced adversities,” he lamented, referencing the troubling trend of youth turning to drugs in response to their disillusionment.

However, amidst these challenges, Dr. Yarkpawolo expressed an unwavering belief in the potential of Liberia’s youth. “I see innovators, educators, and entrepreneurs; I see agents of change.” He cited various initiatives led by young people, such as transforming plastic waste into building materials and developing climate resilience curricula for schools, which not only combat environmental degradation but also empower the next generation.

Central to Liberia’s strategy is the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, a comprehensive five-year plan spearheaded by President Joseph Nuyma Boakai, Sr., with an investment of approximately $7 billion dedicated to transformative programs aimed at youth development and climate adaptation.

Dr. Yarkpawolo stressed the importance of education, asserting that empowering youth with climate literacy is essential to equip them for adaptive management against climate challenges. “We must invest in educational programs that provide the necessary knowledge and skills for our youths to navigate and mitigate the effects of climate change,” he urged.

He further emphasized the significance of economic empowerment in preventing forced migration, highlighting the potential of green industries and sustainable agricultural practices to create job opportunities that contribute to both economic growth and environmental conservation.

“Addressing climate mobility requires a coordinated effort,” he concluded, calling for collaboration among governments, organizations, and the youth themselves to forge pathways toward a sustainable future.

As the session progressed, the resonance of Dr. Yarkpawolo’s words marked a pivotal moment at COP29, setting a hopeful tone for youth engagement in climate action across the African continent and beyond.