Liberia Assesses COP30 Outcomes at The National People's Climate Justice Summit 2025

The Conference of the Parties (COP30) has come and gone, but Liberian at the National People Climate Justice Summit 2025 organized by AAL and CSOs took off time to review, discuss and give deep insights on the outcomes of CoP30 and what those outcomes mean for Liberia.

During this panel discussion, stakeholders examined both the opportunities and unresolved challenges emerging from COP30.

ActionAid and stakeholders flagged critical issues ranging from climate financing, promises versus access and some of the inequalities at the global level when it comes to the distribution and availability of climate finances, and adaptation responses. 

ActionAid Liberia’s country director, Madam Elizabeth Gbah Johnson, reflecting on her experience at COP 30, shared her perspective on the importance of framing climate discussions from a people-centered approach.
 
“What we saw at COP was a space for intense advocacy, but we also recognized that the issues around climate change can no longer be addressed from a top-down approach,” Johnson said. “

It must be from the people’s perspective, focusing on the most vulnerable – women, youth, and marginalized communities.”

She emphasized the concept of a just transition, a key focus at COP 30, explaining that it is critical to ensure that any climate action taken is must be equitable and inclusive. “When we talk about just transition, we are referring to a shift that prioritizes vulnerable groups. It is not just about addressing climate change but ensuring that those who are already marginalized and mostly affected at are part of the solution,” Elizabeth told delegates at the summit.
 

Speaking on the issues of climate finance, the technical lead at Green Future Initiative Platform, Sylvia Diamon Dorbor described access to climate finance remains a major stumbling block for African Countries, especially the developing and local income countries such as Liberia.

Speaking about the issues of climate finance, the technical lead at Society for the Conservation of Nature Liberia, Sylvia Diamon Dorbor described access to climate finance remains a major stumbling block for African Countries, especially the developing and local income countries such as Liberia.

She highlighted progress made on operationalizing the loss and damage fund under what she described as the Barbados implementation framework, estimated at about $250 million for 2025–2026. However, she cautioned that access is largely restricted to government institutions.

“Civil society organizations are excluded,” she said, noting that only national budget-support mechanisms qualify. In Liberia, agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Disaster Management Agency can submit proposals.

Dorbor also pointed to expanded adaptation finance commitments, with global pledges to triple funding to roughly $120 billion. Given Liberia’s minimal contribution to global emissions, she described this as a significant opening. “This financing could help Liberia expand agroecology, renewable energy and other climate-resilient initiatives,” she said