29/08/2026
Empowering Liberia’s Next Generation of Climate Leaders! 🌍
On yesterday August 27,2026 we started LCOY Liberia 2026.Over 20 passionate young Liberian change-makers gathered at the Orange Digital Center in Congo Town for the LCOY Liberia Climate Youth Negotiators Training program!
Designed to equip youth with the technical grounding and practical negotiation skills needed for meaningful participation in international climate spaces like COY21 and COP31, this intensive one-day session was packed with action. From mastering the UNFCCC website and navigating party documents to building block positions and diving into a live negotiation simulation, these young leaders stepped up to the plate!
Opening the Floor (LCOY Organizing Team): "This year’s Local Conference on Youth is intended to get young people up to date, open our minds for the reactivity processes, and how we can get engaged... beyond the conference, how we can hold the government accountable for decisions made at COP, and how those decisions can change our lives and protect our environment."
The Wisdom of Experience (Mr. Benjamin Karmorh, UNFCCC National Focal Point):
Affectionately calling himself a "dinosaur" in the climate space (having started back in 2002 with the EPA), Mr. Karmorh shared invaluable insights:
"The purpose of this training is technical exposure and preparation for participation... It is a process that is very intense and compelling. Once you put yourself into it, you become addicted. We are here to baptize you into the process." At the end of this presentation, in his capacity as the UNFCCC Focal Point of Liberia, along with other youth negotiators he officially launched the Liberian Young Negotiators Group. This group will enhance the government efforts in making sure young Liberians are equipped and ready to represent their country at the national, regional and international level.
Participant Reflection:
"It made me feel like I was in a real COP setting! This process shouldn't just be one day it should be a week-long intensive for those willing to give their all... I’ve learned a lot!"
As Liberia faces critical environmental and climate challenges, empowering our youth with the tools to negotiate, advocate, and hold leaders accountable isn't just an option it’s a necessity.
