Monrovia, Liberia – As Liberia approaches the final phase of its second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 2.0) in December 2025, a new policy statement has been released, calling for stronger, more inclusive, and better-financed climate action under the forthcoming NDC 3.0.
In a statement, informed by a youth-led review initiative spearheaded by the Center for Youth Civic Leadership and Environmental Studies (CYCLES) Executive Director Mr. Beyan Harris with support from ActionAid Liberia, offers a critical assessment of the country’s progress on NDC 2.0 and outlines strategic recommendations to guide the development of the next climate roadmap.
Liberia’s NDC 2.0 pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64% below business-as-usual levels by 2030, with much of the commitment conditional on international support. While this marked a strong step toward climate responsibility, the review identified several gaps in implementation that risk undermining national and global climate goals.
Key challenges highlighted in the policy statement by Mr. Beyan Harris include Insufficient emissions data across nine priority sectors, limiting effective tracking and decision-making, a significant funding gap, with only 11% of the required climate finance secured, the lack of inclusive participation, especially of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, in decision-making processes, weak monitoring and reporting systems (MRV) that are not fully aligned with the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework among others
The policy statement also criticized the lack of sector-specific adaptation measures and gender-responsive targets within NDC 2.0. Furthermore, the absence of a formal implementation plan was identified as a major shortcoming in coordinating stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector.
To address these gaps, the Executive Director Harris outlines key policy recommendations for NDC 3.0: Develop a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions inventory for all sectors, formulate a national climate finance strategy to mobilize domestic and international resources, and institutionalize inclusive participation through structured involvement of marginalized groups.
Others include Establishing a robust MRV framework aligned with international transparency standards, set long-term and interim climate targets to anchor Liberia’s path toward carbon neutrality, integrate gender-responsive targets across all sectors with clear accountability mechanisms, Define clear institutional roles and coordination mechanisms within a formal implementation plan.
“The transition from NDC 2.0 to NDC 3.0 presents a unique opportunity to build on our progress, confront persistent gaps, and chart a climate-smart future for all Liberians,” the statement noted.
However, the statement that issued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, in collaboration with development partners, is being urged to lead a transparent, consultative, and evidence-based process to develop NDC 3.0. The collective commitment of all stakeholders will be essential in shaping a climate-resilient Liberia that leaves no one behind.
