In a significant step forward for global climate action, Liberia's representatives have joined nations from around the globe in the vibrant city of Baku, Azerbaijan, for the highly anticipated United Nations Climate Change COP 29 Conference, taking place from November 11 to 22, 2024. This gathering marks a pivotal moment as countries come together to confront the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

Leading the Liberian delegation is Nora G. Bowier, the Deputy Managing Director for Community, Conservation, and Carbon at the Forestry Development Authority (FDA). She is joined by influential figures such as Board Chairman Philip C. Parker and esteemed technical advisors E. Ekema A. Witherspoon and Augustine M. Johnson. Together, they represent Liberia’s commitment to addressing critical issues within the country’s forestry sector, with a strong focus on carbon management, conservation practices, and the overarching effects of climate change on both the environment and local communities.

The FDA delegation embarked on their journey last week, fueled by a shared sense of purpose and determination to engage in meaningful discussions and negotiations that will shape the future of climate action.

The UN Climate Change Conferences, commonly referred to as COPs, have become a cornerstone in the global effort to combat climate change. These annual meetings provide the world’s only multilateral platform for dialogue and decision-making on climate issues, uniting nearly every country in the pursuit of solutions. COP serves as a critical venue where nations come together to forge agreements aimed at addressing the climate crisis, such as the crucial goals of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, supporting vulnerable communities in adapting to climate challenges, and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.

COP 29 is set to be a remarkable convergence of world leaders, negotiators, and a diverse array of stakeholders, including business leaders, youth activists, climate scientists, Indigenous Peoples, and members of civil society. This year’s conference will emphasize the importance of sharing insights and best practices to foster collective and inclusive climate action, ensuring that all voices are heard in the discourse on how to tackle one of humanity's greatest challenges.

Among the top priorities for COP 29 is the establishment of a new climate finance goal aimed at providing every nation with the means to implement more robust climate strategies. The conference will address the urgent need to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to build communities that are resilient to the impacts of climate-related threats.

As nations prepare their next set of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), a key focus will be on developing ambitious, fully actionable, and economically viable strategies that facilitate a transition away from fossil fuels. This is crucial for keeping the world on track to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

It is also important to highlight that COP 29 represents the 29th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a landmark international treaty established in 1992, which laid the foundation for global climate governance and serves as the parent treaty to the notable 2015 Paris Agreement. This conference symbolizes a collective commitment to safeguarding our planet for future generations, making Liberia's participation all the more vital as they seek to contribute to global progress in climate action.