Paynesville – As the world confronts the growing challenges of climate change, Liberia has taken a bold step by launching the Climate Integration and Finance Office to integrate climate considerations into national planning and budgeting while mobilizing resources for climate-resilient projects. The office, situated within the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), was officially inaugurated on Monday, November 25, 2024, in Paynesville, Montserrado County.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Foday Couch Bayoh, the Climate Change and Climate Focal Person at the Ministry, emphasized the critical role of the new unit in addressing the escalating impact of climate change on Liberia’s national development efforts. He noted that the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning plays a central role in shaping the country’s development agenda, managing budgets, and negotiating external aid.
“With climate change increasingly threatening national development, it is imperative to mainstream climate change considerations into these processes. This new Climate Change/Climate Finance Unit is tasked with ensuring that climate issues are integrated into Liberia’s national planning and budgeting processes while spearheading efforts to secure funding for climate-resilient projects,” Bayoh said.
The launch ceremony underscored the unit’s mission to foster collaboration across government sectors and with external stakeholders. The initiative aims to ensure the effective implementation of climate-related interventions without duplicating the functions of existing agencies.
Bayoh also highlighted the broader significance of this move, describing it as a strategic step toward creating a cohesive framework for addressing climate change challenges. He called on national and international partners to support the unit’s efforts, which he said would strengthen Liberia’s climate resilience and enhance the country’s governance capacity.
The ceremony featured discussions on the unit’s goals, including introducing its operational strategy, defining stakeholder roles, and outlining resource mobilization strategies. These efforts aim to foster a coordinated approach to integrating climate change into Liberia’s development planning and budgeting processes.
The launch event was followed by an orientation workshop held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, bringing together stakeholders from key government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, Forestry Development Agency, and the Ministries of Agriculture, Transport, and Public Works. The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to align their individual mandates with the unit’s vision and establish a unified approach to climate resilience.
During the workshop, strategies were presented to ensure that climate change considerations are effectively incorporated into Liberia’s national development and budgeting processes. Stakeholders were also guided on how their respective roles align with the broader objectives of the Climate Integration and Finance Office.
Bayoh described the workshop as a foundational step toward Liberia’s efforts to mainstream climate change into its national agenda, ensuring that all stakeholders work collaboratively to build a sustainable and climate-resilient future for the country.
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