Cologne, Germany – June 23, 2025 – Liberia is seeking greater international support to strengthen its national response to drought and climate challenges, with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo leading the charge at the inaugural Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership (RDRP) conference in Cologne, Germany.
Representing the Liberian government, he was joined in Cologne by EPA’s Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) Director, Mr. Arthur R. Becker, while Liberia’s UNCCD Focal Point, B. Jallah, participated virtually in the high-level engagement.
Dr.Urey Yarkpawolo used the international platform to present a clear case for why countries like Liberia must be prioritized for investment and technical support under the global drought initiative. He called on the Partnership to provide Liberia with access to the Readiness Fund to help complete its national drought strategy, build government capacity, and develop major projects ready for donor funding.
“Our people are already living through the effects of drought. It’s not just about weather, it’s about food, water, land, and the lives of ordinary Liberians,” Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo told the gathering of global leaders, development partners, and climate experts.
He described drought as a direct threat to Liberia’s food security, economic growth, and national stability, especially in rural areas where farming and natural resources are key to daily survival. Dr.Urey Yarkpawolo stressed the need to act before things worsen, shifting from reactive responses to long-term planning and resilience building.
Liberia, he explained, has already taken steps toward climate-smart development. Through the National Agriculture Development Plan (2024–2030), the country is focusing on restoring healthy soils, protecting water sources, and promoting sustainable food systems. At the same time, the government is implementing its ARREST Agenda—which stands for Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism, to drive inclusive rural development and environmental protection.
At the heart of Liberia’s plan is the empowerment of local communities. Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo emphasized the importance of involving women, youth, and smallholder farmers in designing and monitoring drought resilience programs. He also highlighted the need for early warning systems that can guide farmers and local officials before disaster strikes.
While Liberia’s ambition is high, the country continues to face financial and technical limitations. That is why, according to Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo, access to international support, especially from the RDRP Readiness Fund, is critical to making progress.
“Liberia is not asking for charity, we are asking for partnership. A partnership that is flexible, transparent, and tailored to the real needs of vulnerable nations,” he said.
Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo thanked the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for bringing countries together under the RDRP and giving nations like Liberia a seat at the table.
He reaffirmed Liberia’s full commitment to a drought-resilient and sustainable future, saying the country stands ready to work with international partners to turn ideas into action and action into hope.
