Actionaid Liberia has concluded a media dialogue underlining the critical concept of Just Transition (JT) within the context of climate change and collective action.
The dialogue was to enlighten the minds of media practitioners about the effect of climate change and the need for ‘Just Transition.’
The main purpose was to educate and encourage media practitioners on climate justice terminology, and empowered the practitioners to advocate for people-centered solutions that would prioritize the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
At the roundtable media dialogue on Monday, September 22, 2025, in Monrovia, Actionaid Country Director, Madam Elizabeth G. Johnson, said the involvement of media in the dialogue with stakeholders in the 15 counties “was very important, because it will provide the rightful space for journalists to understand and be able to advocate for people to work in a fair and transparent manner when it comes to climate change.”
Madam Johnson underscored the importance of ensuring national demands at the international forum are people-centric; hold polluters accountable and support genuine climate justice rather than burdensome development loans.
She said Actionaid Liberia focus areas, such as agroecology and climate financing, are highlighted as essential components of the approach, especially as the country prepares to join other countries for the upcoming COP 30th meeting in Brazil.
“I am honored to welcome you to this all-important dialogue on Just Transition. This concept lies at the heart of Actionaid, because we are talking about collective action concerning climate change.”
A week ago, Actionaid-Liberia, and partners have been in communities creating awareness around climate justice, especially on the terminology when we talk about Just Transition. So, you are very important, and we thought that this dialogue is a space for us to interact. Also, provide understanding when we talk about Just Transition.”
She said what it means to Actionaid is that, the gathering will provide a clear look at issues when it comes to climate change, and how it can put people and communities at the center of everything concerning the change.
“Why we think this dialogue is very important is that Liberia will be present at COP 30th in Brazil. As much as we recognize the gains that are been made by the government when it comes to climate change, we think that whatever demands or solutions we are pushing forward, should not be able to push when we talk about it though solutions and be people-center. But also, when we talk about demands, it should be something that the polluters be held accountable and have their own understanding,” said Madam Johnson.
She said it is important to get young people to get more involved in the process by making themselves visible to get on the field and educate people about the importance of Just Transition.
“As we push for climate Justice, you have to be informed as well, and we cannot do it alone. So, this is why we are excited to have you here. We know there are some levels of steps that have been taken by the government on validation of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.O,” she said.
Actionaid Program Coordinator, Norwu K. Harris, said a ‘Just Transition,’ ensures that the shift to environmentally sustainable economies and societies are fair and inclusive; ensuring that no one is left behind, particularly workers, their communities, and vulnerable populations, who may be negatively impacted by climate action.
She said the goal of JT is to achieve a climate-neutral economy, while also promoting social equity and sustainable development for everyone.
She said it involves creating decent, quality jobs with social protection, providing training and redeployment opportunities, ensuring inclusive decision-making, and addressing historical injustices and inequalities.
Just Transition is necessary because it builds political and social support for ambitious climate policies by demonstrating that the transition is fair.
It also frames climate action with a human rights lens, recognizing the right to a clean environment, decent work and a fair society
It addresses the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and countries that have contributed least to the crisis, but suffer the most from its effects.
In a related development, Actionaid Liberia in collaboration with YUGNET Liberia, and Center for Youth Civic Leadership and Environmental Studies (CYCLE), over the weekend, organized an awareness campaign, as some young people were seen engaging and educating Liberians about the effect of climate change on our environment, and the importance of Climate Justice and Just Transition.
The event sponsored by Actionaid, was part of activities marking the commemoration of Global Action Week.