By: Kabina S. Kaba
Belém, Brazil – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has officially endorsed the Belém Declaration, which highlights the crucial role of Peoples of African Descent in addressing climate change.
The announcement followed a high-level bilateral meeting between Colombia’s Vice President, Her Excellency Francia Elena Márquez Mina, and Liberia’s EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, held at the Vila COP30 Hotel in Belém.
During the meeting, Vice President Márquez presented the Declaration, calling for a global effort to recognize and empower Afro-descendant communities as key leaders in climate solutions.
She underscored the historical injustices these communities have faced—including the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade—and their continued marginalization in climate decision-making processes.
With over 10 million Afro-descendants in Colombia, she advocated for coordinated international actions and expressed interest in an official visit to Liberia to strengthen ties between Africa and its diaspora.
Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo welcomed the initiative on behalf of Liberia, reaffirming the country’s commitment to the objectives of the Declaration. Highlighting Liberia’s unique history as a nation founded by formerly enslaved Africans and Indigenous peoples, he emphasized the country’s role as a bridge between Africa and its diaspora.
He stressed the importance of recognizing the distinct experiences and vulnerabilities of Afro-descendant communities within global climate frameworks.
“Liberia stands ready to work with Colombia and partners across Africa and the diaspora to ensure Peoples of African Descent are visible, valued, and central to the climate agenda,” Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo said.
He noted ongoing consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on next steps and highlighted the importance of coordinated advocacy with the African Group of Negotiators to address Africa’s specific priorities under the UNFCCC.
As a gesture of goodwill, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo presented Vice President Márquez with the Natural Capital Atlas of Liberia and a traditional Liberian sash, while extending an invitation for her to visit the country.
Discussions also explored potential cultural, commercial, and investment collaborations, particularly given Colombia’s substantial Afro-descendant population.
Vice President Márquez welcomed Liberia’s participation in a global gathering of Peoples of African Descent scheduled in Bogotá in March 2026. She also mentioned a potential visit to West Africa, including an event in Togo in December, further strengthening regional and transatlantic engagement.
Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo called for formal diplomatic engagement to establish a framework for sustained cooperation between Liberia and Colombia.
The meeting concluded with a cordial exchange and a group photograph, signaling a promising partnership in advancing climate solutions and empowering Afro-descendant communities.
