– VP Koung assures World Leaders at COP29
Liberia’s Vice President, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, is delivering a powerful message about the severe impacts of climate change on his nation at the ongoing 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Urgent Call for Climate Finance
In his address, VP Koung emphasized the urgent need for developed countries to fulfill their climate finance commitments under the Paris Agreement. Specifically, he called for support of the New Collective Goal on climate finance, which is crucial for nations like Liberia to build resilience and achieve sustainable development.
Highlighting Liberia’s Vulnerability
On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Koung took the stage during the high-level sessions for Heads of State and Government to deliver Liberia’s National Statement. Representing President Joseph Boakai, he discussed how climate change and global challenges are undermining national development in Liberia. His speech underscored the nation’s increasing vulnerability to climate impacts, such as the severe flooding events earlier this year that resulted in significant loss of life, property destruction, and displacement of thousands of citizens.
“Madam President, Excellencies, this year we witnessed most of our lowlands being flooded, giving rise to loss of lives, destruction of properties, and displacement of people,” Koung lamented.
Calls for Global Cooperation
Koung urged for stronger cooperative action on Articles 6.2, 6.4, and 6.8 at COP29, in line with the Africa Group’s position on operationalizing carbon and non-carbon market mechanisms. He highlighted the disproportionate burden borne by low-carbon-emitting countries like Liberia and stressed the need for increased international support in areas such as adaptation, loss and damage, and financing for climate action.
“This is why COP29 must set the basis for the Loss and Damage Fund. We need a simple but accountable process that avoids unnecessary bureaucracy,” he asserted.
Liberia’s Climate Commitments
Vice President Koung reiterated Liberia’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 64% by 2030, contingent upon receiving adequate financial resources. He called on developed countries to increase their contributions to the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance to help Liberia and similar nations bolster their resilience and pursue sustainable development.
In 2021, Liberia introduced its ambitious Second Generation Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 2.0), outlining this significant emissions reduction target. Koung assured the audience that Liberia would enhance its climate ambition in its forthcoming third-generation NDC, which will focus on biodiversity protection, conservation of mangroves, freshwater ecosystems, child rights, and human mobility.
Establishment of the National Climate Laboratory
Koung also highlighted Liberia’s proactive efforts in climate education and research, mentioning the establishment of a national climate laboratory at the University of Liberia. This center aims to develop the human resources necessary to address climate change challenges at the national level.
“Madam President, Excellencies, Liberia has established a national climate laboratory at the University of Liberia. This learning center is intended to build the human resources of the country in addressing climate change at the national level,” Koung noted.
A Collective Effort
In closing, Vice President Koung stressed the importance of collective action in tackling climate change. “To conclude, humanity has faced numerous problems in the past, but it is collective efforts that have kept us going. This is our time. If we hold together and speak with one voice, holding each other accountable fairly and equitably, we will fight the nightmare of climate change and global warming, and we will succeed.”
High-Level Liberian Delegation
The Vice President leads a high-level Liberian delegation, including members of the Senate and officials from various ministries and agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
COP29 in Baku
The 2024 COP conference, hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, a country at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, underscores the global dialogue needed on energy transition and climate action. Azerbaijan’s role as a major oil and gas producer adds a critical dimension to the discussions on the future of energy and climate resilience.
In conclusion, VP Koung’s impassioned plea at COP29 underscores the dire need for global solidarity and actionable commitments to support nations like Liberia in their fight against the devastating impacts of climate change.
