By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Baku, Azerbaijan – Vice President Jeremiah Kpang Koung of Liberia addressed the COP29 World Leaders Climate Action Summit today, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive global action on climate change. Speaking in Baku, the Vice President highlighted the grave consequences of climate-induced disasters, particularly in Liberia, and called for stronger international cooperation to combat the climate crisis.
Vice President Koung began his remarks by congratulating the Government and People of Azerbaijan for assuming the presidency of COP29 and for their hospitality in hosting the summit. He extended greetings from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia to the international community gathered in Baku.
The Vice President outlined the devastating effects of climate change on Liberia, citing severe flooding this year that resulted in loss of life, destruction of property, and displacement of citizens. He stressed the need for COP29 to establish a robust framework for the Loss and Damage Fund, urging a process that is simple, transparent, and free of excessive bureaucracy.
Liberia’s government, he noted, is committed to climate action and has set ambitious targets. In 2021, Liberia introduced its Second Generation Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 2.0), aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64%, contingent upon adequate international financing. Looking forward, Liberia plans to increase its climate ambition further with the forthcoming third generation of the country’s NDC. This updated commitment will focus not only on emissions reduction but also on the protection of biodiversity, including mangrove conservation and freshwater ecosystems, alongside addressing issues of child rights and human mobility.
Vice President Koung also called on developed nations to fulfill their climate finance commitments, specifically urging them to scale up contributions towards the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance, a key element of the global response to climate change.
In a positive development, the Vice President announced the establishment of Liberia’s first national climate laboratory at the University of Liberia. The laboratory aims to build the country’s human capacity in climate science and policy, empowering local experts to tackle the climate challenges Liberia faces.
Concluding his remarks, Vice President Koung reminded the gathering of the power of collective action. “Humanity has faced numerous crises, but it is our shared commitment and solidarity that has seen us through. This is our moment to unite, hold each other accountable, and fight the devastating impacts of climate change,” he said, reiterating Liberia’s determination to contribute to the global effort to combat global warming.
As COP29 continues in Baku, Liberia’s call for strengthened climate finance and a more equitable approach to loss and damage remains a key focus of the country’s engagement on the international stage.
