Monrovia – Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, on Tuesday emphasized the country’s renewed commitment to international diplomacy, regional cooperation, and climate action in line with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
Nyanti delivered the message during a high-level visit from members of the Africa Study Tour of the Ghana Armed Forces Command. Speaking on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the government and people of Liberia, she welcomed the delegation and underscored the importance of collective responsibility in addressing global climate challenges.
The visit, held under the theme “Climate Change, Environment, and Development,” sparked a wide-ranging discussion on natural resource governance, regional stability, and inclusive growth.
“Climate diplomacy is not something that will happen tomorrow. It is already here—with our falling coastline, our crops drying up, and the birth of our forest being affected,” Nyanti said.
She reaffirmed Liberia’s strategic role within ECOWAS and the African Union, highlighting the importance of regional frameworks in tackling transnational issues such as climate change, migration, and economic development.
The foreign minister emphasized that the ARREST Agenda—centered on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation and Tourism—represents more than a policy platform. “It’s a roadmap to empower a resilient and ready-to-lead population,” she said.
Referencing historical climate science, Nyanti recalled the early warnings of Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius in the 19th century and American physicist Edward Teller in the mid-20th century regarding carbon emissions.
“The issue of climate change is not new. What’s new is our responsibility to act now—with urgency and unity,” she said.
Nyanti noted that Liberia’s natural resources must be leveraged for the benefit of future generations, not exploited for short-term gain.
“Our children will benefit from our rainforest through improved infrastructure, education, technology, and health—if we manage it sustainably,” she said.
She also called for climate justice. “How do we ensure climate justice? Those responsible must be held accountable, while those suffering the consequences must be supported,” she said.
Liberia, she added, is actively pursuing climate-smart agriculture, resilient infrastructure, forest conservation, and climate education. These efforts are supported by international partners including the United States, Germany, Sweden, Norway and the European Union.
“The ARREST Agenda is about turning vision into action—a roadmap for the future where no one is left behind, and where the environment is protected,” she said.
The visiting delegation included more than 25 senior military officers, faculty members, a brigadier general, and government officials from Nigeria. The team engaged in dialogue focused on Africa’s shared responsibility in addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development.
Brig. Gen. B.B. Owusu, who led the delegation, commended Liberia’s leadership and the relevance of the discussions.
Discussion about this post