The Government of Liberia, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and key development partners, successfully conducted the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Stocktake. The meeting held at the Pan African Plaza in Monrovia, marks a significant step in Liberia’s commitment to achieving its climate goals under the Paris Agreement.

Representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and development partners engaged in discussions to access progress, identify challenges, and propose solutions ahead of the launch of Liberia’s updated NDC 3.0 in March 2025. The primary objectives were to assess Liberia’s progress in implementing its 2021 NDC, validate the findings of the stocktake report, and unveil the roadmap for NDC 3.0.

Liberia’s updated NDC, submitted in 2021, set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 64% below projected business-as-usual levels by 2030. The stocktake assessment, which commenced in September 2024, reviewed the nation’s progress in implementing these commitments. Key highlights of the stocktake include achievements in policy formulation, institutional strengthening, and sectoral mitigation and adaptation efforts. However, challenges such as financial constraints, technical capacity gaps, and institutional coordination hurdles were also identified.

The findings of the stocktake assessment were presented and validated by stakeholders during the event, ensuring that Liberia’s climate strategy remains inclusive, evidence-based, and aligned with national development priorities.

This updated NDC builds upon previous efforts, incorporating key recommendations from stakeholders to enhance implementation and address identified gaps.

Giving a summary of the discussions, Atty. Urias Goll, the National consultant for the NDC stocktake, emphasized that the review exercise had provided a clear picture of Liberia’s achievements and the hurdles that remain in its climate action efforts. He stressed that the insights gained from the meeting would be instrumental in shaping the country’s next steps in tackling climate change.

Speaking at the event on behalf the UNDP, Louis Kuukpen, Deputy Resident Representative for Programme, reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration in advancing Liberia’s climate ambitions. He noted that while Liberia had set an ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 64% by 2030, achieving this goal would require continuous financial and technical support. 

“This event has been a significant step in reaffirming our commitment to climate action. As we close this stocktake meeting, I urge all stakeholders to take ownership of Liberia’s climate commitments and work collectively to ensure that we achieve our targets,” Kuukpen stated.

He also commended the leadership of the EPA, particularly Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, for his dedication to steering Liberia’s climate agenda forward. Additionally, he called on development partners to align their support with Liberia’s national climate priorities and urged the private sector to invest in sustainable initiatives.

Representing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Arthur R.M. Becker, Director of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their active participation and reaffirmed Liberia’s dedication to fighting climate change. He acknowledged that while Liberia had made commendable pledges, including cutting emissions and reducing deforestation, success would depend on collective efforts.

“The insights shared over the past sessions will guide us in strengthening Liberia’s climate strategies. We now have a clearer understanding of the gaps that need to be addressed, and as we move toward the development of NDC 3.0, we will build on these discussions to set more concrete sectoral targets,” Becker said.

He reiterated that the stocktake process was not just about reporting progress but about finding actionable solutions to the challenges identified. He also encouraged stakeholders to remain engaged and contribute their expertise in shaping Liberia’s updated climate commitments.

E. Abraham T. Tumbey Jr., Program Coordinator of Inclusive Green Growth Pillar at the UNDP, described the event as a significant milestone in Liberia’s climate action journey. He reaffirmed the UNDP’s unwavering support for the EPA and other stakeholders involved in driving climate action efforts in the country.

A critical aspect of the NDC 3.0 process is fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society, development agencies, and the private sector. The validation meeting provided a platform for these actors to engage in meaningful discussions on financing strategies, capacity-building initiatives, and policy enhancements necessary for effective NDC implementation.

The event featured panel discussions, group exercises, and stakeholder consultations aimed at refining the NDC implementation strategy. Special emphasis was placed on integrating gender-responsive approaches, enhancing community engagement, and leveraging international support for climate action in Liberia.

The success of Liberia’s climate action efforts will require sustained commitment from all stakeholders. By working together, Liberia can build a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for its people.