By Lincoln G. Peters
Over one hundred fifty (150) Liberian youth from across the country have been empowered, sensitized, and equipped to shape and transform Liberia’s Climate action agenda, which focuses on adapting to climate change through sustainable development, forest conservation, and building resilience in communities and sectors like energy and coastal zones.
The initiative was done under auspices of the Local Conference of Youths LCOY Liberia 2025 , with funding support from the Youth Climate Finance Alliance and other key sponsors. The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Liberia 2025 is a national youth-led platform endorsed by YOUNGO under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It empowers young people to engage in climate policy, develop solutions, and amplify their voices ahead of global negotiations such as COP30.
LCOY- Liberia 2025 was held in Ganta City, Nimba County from November 7-8 under the theme: “Youth driving Climate solutions for a resilient future.” LCOY Liberia 2025 seeks to unite Liberian youth for Climate action ahead of COP30 and amplifies youth Climate voices. The initiative was hosted by the Improve Liberia Cooperation Movement (ILCM) in collaboration with diverse youth organizations and officially endorsed by YOUNGO, the youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
LCOY Liberia 2025 provided a powerful platform for Liberian youth voices to engage in dialogue, innovation, and policy solutions. The event brought together government representatives, policymakers, development partners, civil society actors, and local stakeholders, reflecting broad support for youth-led climate initiatives and fostering opportunities for collaboration between young leaders and national decision-makers.
Providing an introduction and overview of the program, Buutay K Buu, lead organizer of LCOY Liberia 2025, said that the LCOY was graced by youth representatives from all 15 counties to explore actionable strategies for a sustainable and resilient Liberia. According to him, over the two days, participants engage in discussions on climate finance, reforestation, renewable energy, green entrepreneurship, and environmental education.
He stated that by connecting grassroots climate action to the global COP process, LCOY Liberia continues to ensure that the voices of young Liberians are heard and represented in shaping international climate policy and sustainable development efforts. “A defining outcome of the conference was the creation of a Unified National Youth Statement, articulating young people’s priorities and policy recommendations ahead of COP30 — the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil.
The event concluded with strong commitments from participants to expand community-based climate projects, promote environmental education, and strengthen regional youth cooperation across West Africa. BCommenting briefly in a special remark, Silungile Moyo, a delegate and youth climate advocate from Zambawe expressed gratitude and excited over the program, while appreciating the organizers for rallying Liberian youths on the importance of climate action, and iniating a unifying voice for action.
“This event is a reminder that our generation is not waiting for progress, we are leading it. Through collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment, we are shaping sustainable solutions for our communities and our planet. I am deeply inspired by the voices of young leaders and community builders taking action across Africa and beyond. Together, we are writing a new story, one of resilience, responsibility, and hope. Let us embody the future we wish to create.” she urged. Liberia’s climate action agenda goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 64% below a business-as-usual scenario by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Mr. Alvin M. Zopoe, who works with Liberia’s Ministry of Education, Liberia, expressed appreciation to the organizers and participants, describing the gathering and presentations as eye-opening and informative.
“I am very excited to be here today and to form part of this dialogue. Climate change needs to be included in the national curriculum to be taught in every high school at the grassroots level. With this, we believe Liberia will be able to achieve the local and international targets on climate change and sustainable development. So, the government is committed to ensuring that we are safe.” He stated.
