Monrovia, Liberia – A high-level delegation from the African Union (AU), headed by Her Excellency Ana Nembe, has been invited by the Liberian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to participate in cooperative initiatives to lessen the effects of climate change in Liberia. A major step toward enhancing collaboration between Liberia and the African Union on urgent environmental challenges impacting the nation was taken on Monday, November 18, 2024, when the courtesy visit was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, Honorable Gabriel H. Salee, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, conveyed his sincere appreciation to the African Union for its ongoing support, emphasizing the aid given to flood victims in 11 impacted counties. Minister Salee emphasized how urgent it is to combat climate change, which has made natural catastrophes worse in Liberia. These include increased floods, soil erosion, and erratic weather patterns that have had a significant negative impact on livelihoods and agriculture.
“The Government of Liberia is deeply grateful for the support extended by the African Union, especially in providing much-needed relief to flood victims in the most affected regions,” said Hon. Gabriel H. Salee in his welcoming comments. Your presence today demonstrates the African Union’s dedication to unity and shared accountability in tackling the pressing problem of climate change, which is a serious danger to the advancement of our country and the welfare of its people.
Minister Salee emphasized that while the climate problem affects the entire world, developing countries like Liberia, where residents rely mostly on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods, are especially hard hit. In order to develop sustainable solutions that would lessen the negative effects of climate change and increase resilience among vulnerable people, he reaffirmed the government of Liberia’s commitment to collaborating with regional and international partners.
The head of the African Union mission, H.E. Ana Nembe, underlined the AU’s dedication to helping member nations tackle climate-related issues. “The African Union acknowledges the disproportionate impact of climate change on African countries, especially those with limited resources to adapt to its effects,” she said in her remarks. Madam Nembe expressed the African Union’s willingness to work with the Liberian government to develop and carry out efficient mitigation and adaptation plans for climate change.
“As Liberians confront the urgent problems posed by climate change, the African Union stands in solidarity with them. In addition to providing urgent assistance to individuals impacted by the recent floods, our visit aims to collaborate with the Liberian government in enhancing long-term resilience against climatic shocks, stated H.E. Ana Nembe. “We think that by working together regionally and pooling our knowledge, we can create creative solutions that tackle the underlying causes of climate change and contribute to securing our continent’s future.”
H.E. Ana Nembe and her team’s courtesy visit coincides with a crucial moment in Liberia’s recovery from the devastating floods that has impacted thousands of people nationwide. Together with the Liberian government, the African Union has played a key role in delivering emergency aid to the impacted populations in the 11 counties, including food assistance, temporary housing, and medical supplies.
The African Union’s efforts to mobilize resources and promptly address the needs of flood victims were recognized by Minister Salee. In order to address the short-term and long-term effects of climate change, he stated that continued cooperation with the AU will be essential. In addition to offering relief, he underlined the significance of creating strong climate resilience plans that would provide communities the skills and information they need to survive future climate shocks.
Both Minister Salee and H.E. Ana Nembe emphasized that in order to address the complex issues brought about by climate change, the African Union, the Liberian government, and other international players must strengthen their relationship. The significance of replanting, investing in renewable energy, and putting regulations in place that lower carbon emissions were all discussed.
H.E. Ana Nembe reaffirmed the African Union’s pledge to assist Liberia with its climate action programs and gave the Acting Minister the assurance that the AU will keep offering financial and technical support to strengthen the nation’s efforts to become more climate resilient. In order to combat climate change, she underlined that all parties involved including governments, businesses, and civil society organizations must collaborate to create long-term solutions.
In order to get information and evaluate current climate adaption initiatives, H.E. Ana Nembe and her team will be visiting important government departments, civil society groups, and local communities. The results of these interactions will guide the creation of an all-encompassing action plan meant to lessen the consequences of climate change and increase Liberia’s resilience.
An important show of regional cooperation and shared responsibility in tackling the global climate catastrophe is the African Union delegation’s courtesy visit. The Liberian government is still dedicated to collaborating closely with the African Union and other partners to guarantee the implementation of sustainable solutions, which will eventually protect the environment and enhance Liberians’ quality of life.
