Liberia Launches Enhanced Climate Commitments with NDC 3.0

September 19, 2025
Man in suit at podium speaking into a microphone at an international conference.

The Government of Liberia, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and key stakeholders, has officially launched Liberia’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0. This milestone reaffirms Liberia’s commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement.

The revised NDC 3.0 outlines Liberia’s strengthened climate targets and strategic actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable development, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. 

It integrates national priorities such as energy transition, forest conservation, coastal protection, and community-based adaptation. 

The updated NDC also advances gender equality and inclusive participation, ensuring that climate action benefits all Liberians.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the EPA, emphasized the urgency and significance of the updated NDC.

“Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a development challenge for Liberia. Our updated NDC represents a roadmap for transforming our economy, protecting vulnerable communities, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for future generations.”

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Louis Kuukpen, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, acknowledged the contributions of partners and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts.

“These resources have enabled robust stakeholder consultations, technical workshops, and the development of inclusive, evidence-based targets. Liberia’s NDC launch is a testament to the country’s leadership in climate governance. UNDP is proud to have supported this process and remains committed to working with the Government of Liberia, development partners, and civil society to turn these commitments into measurable results on the ground.”

From a financial perspective, Mr. Dehpue Y. Zuo, Assistant Minister of Finance and Development Planning, emphasized the importance of aligning climate action with Liberia’s overall development goals.

“The NDCs are not just about meeting global obligations; they are about securing Liberia’s economic future. Climate financing, green investments, and sustainable infrastructure are critical to our growth agenda.” 

Assistant Minister Zuo further noted, “This updated NDC ensures that climate action is fully integrated into our new national development plan, promoting inclusive growth, job creation, and resilience. As a government, we are committed to mobilizing resources and ensuring that climate action translates into real benefits for our people.”

The launch also highlighted the importance of inclusive partnerships and resource mobilization. Ms. Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Liberia Country Representative, called for sustained collaboration.

“It is essential that we secure the financial, technical, and institutional resources needed to translate our NDC 3.0 commitments into tangible results. While this NDC is the product of an inclusive process, it also reflects our shared ambition to address climate change and build a resilient, prosperous Liberia for all.”

Liberia’s NDC 3.0 stands as a bold declaration that development and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. 

It is a call to action—affirming that poverty and environmental degradation need not be fellow travelers, and that Liberia can lead from the front, not despite its challenges, but because of its resilience and resolve.

As a cornerstone of Liberia’s national development agenda, the updated NDC ensures that climate action remains central to building a sustainable and prosperous future. The Government of Liberia invites all partners to join in turning these commitments into real, measurable progress for the people of Liberia.