Paynesville – As Liberia gears up for the pending Conference of the Parties (COP30), ActionAid Liberia has begun the process of deepening conversation to provide understanding of the concept of just transition within the broader framework of climate justice.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Ahead of the global environmental meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Brazil in November, the organization on Monday convened a dialogue with media practitioners to provide insight on the importance of the ‘Just Transition’ so that they will in turn trigger the awareness down to the larger public.
COP is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and similar international environmental treaties, where Parties review progress and make decisions to achieve the treaty’s goals. Held annually, COPs serve as a forum for countries to negotiate new measures, assess climate action and progress, and discuss issues like emissions reduction, adaptation, and climate finance, with the ultimate aim of limiting global warming and ensuring a sustainable future.
Accordingly, the forum, held under the banner of ActionAid’s Global Week of Action, sought to build the capacity of journalists and media institutions to advocate for people-centered climate solutions. The organization emphasized that addressing climate change must go beyond technical fixes to ensure that poor and vulnerable communities remain at the heart of national and international policy demands.
Speaking at the opening of the dialogue, Madam Elizabeth Gbah Johnson, Country Director of ActionAid Liberia, underscored the role of the media in shaping public understanding of climate justice issues.
“We want to use this space to provide understanding to our media partners because you are critical in making people understand but also in advocating for fair and transparent solutions to climate change,” Madam Johnson said.
She explained that ActionAid’s approach to the ‘Just Transition’ prioritizes agroecology, climate financing, and accountability from polluting industries.
According to her, Liberia’s participation at COP30 must reflect people-centered demands, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized communities.
“As much as we recognize the gains made by the government, we think whatever solutions Liberia pushes forward should ensure that polluters are held accountable and that climate financing does not come in the form of burdensome development loans,” she added.
The ActionAid Country Director stressed that the upcoming COP30 negotiations will bring together governments, corporations, and civil society actors from across the globe.
She noted that adequate preparation and knowledge-sharing are vital for Liberia’s delegation, particularly young people and women, to engage meaningfully in shaping outcomes that benefit the nation.
The dialogue forms part of ActionAid’s broader awareness efforts, which include engagements with communities on climate justice terminology and practices.
ActionAid believes that by empowering local actors, especially the media, it will strengthen Liberia’s voice in international climate negotiations and ensure the country’s demands in alignment with genuine climate justice principles.
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