Belém, Brazil — November 16, 2025 —The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) today announced Liberia’s support in principle for the Belém Declaration on the Role of Peoples of African Descent in Combating Climate Change, following a high-level bilateral meeting between Her Excellency Francia Elena Márquez Mina, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, and Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the EPA of Liberia, at the Vila COP30 Hotel in Belém.

Vice President Márquez presented the Belém Declaration, urging unified global advocacy that recognizes Peoples of African Descent as essential leaders in climate solutions. She emphasized their ancestral stewardship of nature, the enduring impacts of historical injustices—from the transatlantic slave trade through the industrial era—and the persistent exclusion of Afro-descendant communities from climate decision-making. Highlighting Colombia’s more than 10 million Afro-descendants, she called for coordinated action and expressed interest in an official visit to Liberia as part of broader engagement with African nations.

Speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo welcomed the initiative and affirmed Liberia’s alignment with the Declaration’s objectives. He underscored Liberia’s unique heritage—founded by formerly enslaved Africans alongside Indigenous peoples—as a bridge between Africa and its diaspora. He called for distinct recognition of Peoples of African Descent within global climate frameworks, noting their unique experiences, vulnerabilities, and leadership roles are often obscured when grouped into broader categories.

“Liberia stands ready to work with Colombia and partners across Africa and the diaspora to ensure Peoples of African Descent are visible, valued, and central to the climate agenda,” said Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo. He confirmed he has engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on next steps and emphasized coordinated advocacy with the African Group of Negotiators to advance recognition of Africa’s special needs and circumstances under the UNFCCC.

As a gesture of goodwill, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo presented the Vice President with the Natural Capital Atlas of Liberia and a traditional Liberian sash, while extending an invitation for her to visit Liberia. Discussions also explored opportunities to deepen cultural, commercial, and investment exchanges with Colombia’s large Afro-descendant population. Vice President Márquez welcomed Liberia’s participation in a global gathering of Peoples of African Descent scheduled for Bogotá in March 2026 and referenced a potential West Africa visit around an event in Togo in December.

Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo encouraged formal diplomatic engagement between the Governments of Colombia and Liberia to structure follow-up and cooperation. The meeting concluded with courtesies and a group photograph.

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Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia

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