Liberia has officially presented its updated climate plan, known as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), at the Climate Summit during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) led the process with support from line ministries, county authorities, civil society, academia, youth and women’s groups, the private sector, as well as national and international NGOs.
EPA Executive Director of Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, delivered the announcement on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakia, said the submission was made on September 22, 2025.
Dr. Yarkpawolo described the new NDC as a key part of Liberia’s development agenda, tied directly to government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
“Though Liberia’s greenhouse gas emissions remain among the lowest in the world, our record of climate leadership is long and consistent,” Dr. Yarkpawolo told delegates.
He recalled that Liberia was among the first countries to ratify the Paris Agreement, pioneered REDD+ in West Africa, and has aligned its climate work with the Sustainable Development Goals.
He said the new NDC expands coverage to major sectors, including energy, agriculture, forestry, transport, waste management, and health.
Yarkpawolo added: “The NDC also introduces measurable targets to protect communities from floods, coastal erosion, and extreme weather.”
”Liberia’s forests, which cover nearly half of the country, remain one of the largest carbon sinks in the world.”
He said Liberia has committed to cutting emissions by 64 percent by 2035 below the Business-as-Usual (BAU) level. Out of this, 10 percent is unconditional, based on country’s own ability and resources, while the remaining 54 percent is conditional on international support through climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.
”This represents a fourfold increase in absolute reductions compared to earlier targets. The country is also aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.”
Dr. Yarkpawolo has urged international partners to support Liberia’s efforts, noting: “Climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building are essential. These are not acts of charity; they are investments in our shared future.”
He said the NDC 3.0 reflects the hopes of Liberia’s people and its role as a custodian of one of the planet’s most important rainforests.
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Let us therefore rise together for Liberia, for Africa and for our planet.”
The submission of NDC 3.0 follows months of nationwide consultations and technical work. The EPA led the process with support from line ministries, county authorities, civil society, academia, the private sector, women’s groups and youth organizations.
In May this year, stakeholders gathered in Ganta, Nimba County, and adopted the “Ganta Declaration,” which became a guiding document for the new NDC. The declaration called for stronger attention to gender equality, youth empowerment, child protection and freshwater security in Liberia’s climate response.
The process also built on lessons from Liberia’s previous climate actions.
In 2018, the country launched its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to strengthen resilience in vulnerable sectors.
Over the years, Liberia has also advanced REDD+ forest conservation, piloted renewable energy projects, and developed coastal defense measures to fight erosion in areas like, Greenville, Buchanan and New Kru Town.