The Environment Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) and partners including Youth Civic Leadership and Environmental Studies (CYCLES) UNDP on Monday, 31 May 2021 commenced a two-day ‘youth environment and climate action summit’ ahead of a National Conference on Environment and Climate Change.

The two-day  summit is intended to advance youth decision and input through an integrated approach on key international conventions, agreements and national policies on climate change.

The gathering is held under the theme: “Awakening the Consciousness of Young People on the Environment and Climate Issues.”

The summit which precedes the Government of Liberia’s planned National Conference on Environment and Climate Change is also intended to follow-up on review of progress and challenges on climate and environment policies and action plans.

The Liberian Government through the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, is expected to hold a National Conference on the Environment and Climate Change from 2-5 June, 2021 in Monrovia and Robertsports, Montserrado and Grand Cape Mount counties, respectively.

According to a release from the EPA, the summit will focus on youth peer learning, advance transformative solutions and actions to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Africa Agenda 2063 through the Pro Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD) and other national policies on climate change and environment.

It also seeks to provide a platform for young people to for share experiences, approaches, good practices and lessons learned with the view of identifying gaps, challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of key national policies and strategies to combat climate change and address the issue of protecting the environment.

“The summit is inspired by the huge challenge that Climate Change poses to national growth and human development as well as the gaps identified which limit the active participation and robust contribution of young people,” EPA Executive Director, Prof. Wilson K. Tarpeh said.

Prof. Tarpeh disclosed that the Youth Environment and Climate Action Summit is instituted to serve as a platform for youth engagement with government, local and international stakeholders and partners to building a firm foundation for inclusion of youth in the decision- making process and policy reforms on climate change andthe environment.