Climate and international affairs | November 10, 2026
Liberia has used the opening days of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, to highlight the links between climate resilience, food security, youth participation and the management of natural resources.
The conference runs from November 9 to 20, 2026. The Liberia Broadcasting System reported that the country’s pavilion hosted several opening-day discussions on November 9, including sessions on agroecology and youth, climate-smart agriculture, and equitable natural-resource governance for sustainable peace.
Food systems and youth participation
One session, “Agroecology and the Future of Youth in Africa,” brought together young agricultural advocates and development practitioners to discuss how sustainable farming can support climate adaptation, employment and food-system transformation.
A separate session, “Cultivating Climate Resilience: Climate-Smart Agriculture,” examined the need for climate information, early-warning systems and farming practices that help communities respond to changing rainfall, drought and flood risks. Participants included representatives of Liberia’s National Climate Change Secretariat, the Ministry of Health and UNDP Liberia, according to LBS.
Natural-resource governance and peace
A third highlighted discussion, “Climate Resilience and Equitable Natural Resource Governance for Sustainable Peace,” examined how competition over land, forests, water and other resources can intensify local tensions when communities are excluded from decisions or access.
The panel included Environmental Protection Agency Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey-Yarkpawolo and Grand Bassa County Superintendent Karyou Johnson, alongside an AUDA-NEPAD representative, according to LBS.
The published Liberia Pavilion programme lists additional sessions on food systems and health in Liberia and a youth-driven initiative for a plastic-free future. The pavilion schedule therefore indicates a broader programme than the three discussions highlighted in the LBS report.
Proposal for a West African climate-mobility programme
Beyond the Liberia Pavilion, Dr. Urey-Yarkpawolo participated in a Climate Mobility Pavilion discussion titled “The Global Principles: From Global Consensus to Regional Priorities.” LBS reported that he proposed a West African Climate Mobility and Resilience Program to strengthen early-warning systems, protect livelihoods, support coastal restoration and assist communities facing climate-related displacement.
The EPA Executive Director cited coastal erosion in Lower Buchanan, Liberia, and drought-related livelihood challenges in northern Ghana as examples of pressures that cross national boundaries. The proposal is an advocacy initiative reported at COP31; no regional adoption, financing package or implementation agreement has been announced in the sources reviewed.
Why the discussions matter for Liberia
Liberia faces interconnected climate risks, including coastal erosion, flooding, unpredictable farming seasons and pressure on rural livelihoods. These risks affect transport, food production, health, housing and the movement of communities. A regional approach could help coordinate early warnings and support for people displaced by environmental change, but it would require agreement among governments, clear responsibilities and sustained financing.
For now, Liberia’s COP31 engagements are discussions and proposals. Their value will depend on whether they lead to practical commitments, resources and measurable action after the conference.
HeartTalk has previously reported on the EPA Executive Director’s international advocacy role and efforts to mobilise environmental funding. Read the related report.
Sources
- Liberia Broadcasting System: “Liberia Advances Climate Action, Youth Leadership, Natural Resource Governance at COP31” (November 10, 2026).
- UN Framework Convention on Climate Change: COP31 dates and conference information (November 9–20, 2026).
- Liberia Pavilion programme listing (sessions scheduled for November 9, 2026).
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