Belém, Brazil — November 12, 2025 — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have signed the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action at COP30 in Belém, reaffirming a shared commitment to empower children and young people as active agents in the global climate response.

The signing ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Liberia Pavilion, brought together representatives of the EPA, UNICEF, and development partners. Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the EPA, signed on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, while Gernot Laganda, Global Technical Director for Climate Resilience at UNICEF, signed on behalf of the organization.

The declaration acknowledges the heightened climate risks faced by children and youth and calls for urgent measures to safeguard their rights to a safe, clean, and healthy environment. It emphasizes investment in youth-responsive adaptation, education, and climate resilience, ensuring young people play a central role in decision-making and implementation.

“This declaration is a reaffirmation of our collective truth: the survival of our children and generations to come depends on the choices we make today,” said Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo. “It recognizes young people as agents of change and empowers them to champion solutions. Our commitment aligns with Liberia’s National Development Plan 1.0, emphasizing inclusion, resilience, and youth participation across every sector.”

He underscored the government’s vision to scale up green jobs, environmental education, and inclusive leadership, noting that “no lasting solution is complete without the participation of young people.” He added that the signing sends a strong signal to the global community that Liberia is placing children’s well-being and aspirations at the heart of its environmental and economic policies.

In opening remarks, Andy Brooks, UNICEF Representative to Liberia, hailed the partnership as a milestone for youth-centered climate policy. “We are proud to be associated with this important work. It showcases Liberia’s tremendous potential—from its biodiversity and forests to its vibrant people. Liberia has much to offer in climate action,” he said. Brooks commended the government’s leadership and ambition through NDC 3.0 and the ARREST Agenda, emphasizing that climate resilience and sustainable energy are central to Liberia’s national development vision. He also described Liberia as a beautiful, welcoming country and encouraged global partners to engage with its climate opportunities.

Representing the Ministry of Health, Paul Y. S. Quiminee highlighted the urgent need for climate-resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) systems. He noted that only 6% of Liberians currently have access to piped water—less than 1% in rural areas—while 33% still practice open defecation. “Climate change is exacerbating the situation by contaminating wells, eroding sanitation facilities, and increasing disease outbreaks,” he said. Quiminee emphasized the Climate Rationale for WASH as Liberia’s evidence-based framework linking climate risks to sustainable water and sanitation services. Developed with UNICEF support, the initiative aims to strengthen governance, empower communities, and attract climate finance to ensure vulnerable populations are not left behind.

The signing of the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action marks a new chapter in Liberia’s climate leadership—advancing climate justice, intergenerational equity, and inclusive development.