By Christian Appleton
Gompa City, Nimba County – August 13, 2025 — D. Emmanuel Williams II, Director of the Public Investment Unit at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), has called on county development and financial officers to strengthen constructive dialogue. He emphasized that this collaboration is a critical tool for achieving climate resilience, sustainable growth, and inclusive development at the local level.
Director Williams delivered his remarks at the close of a two-day regional capacity-building workshop on Climate Change and Climate Financing, held in Gompa City, Nimba County. The event, themed “Enhancing Awareness and Capacity Building,” brought together local government officials from eight counties across southeastern and central Liberia from August 11–12.
Speaking on behalf of Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Williams stressed the importance of local leaders working together to tackle climate challenges and integrate child-sensitive planning into their development agendas.
“Last week, we held the first regional workshop in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, for Region One,” Williams noted. “Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, sessions were practical, discussions candid, and the momentum for change was profound.”
He added that under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID 2025–2029), climate finance has transitioned from a peripheral issue to a strategic priority within Liberia’s national development framework.
Also addressing participants was Fodeh Couch Bayoh Jr., Coordinator of the Climate Integration and Financing Office at MFDP. He underscored the significance of empowering local leaders to become agents of change.
“Over these two days, we are focusing on climate awareness, financing, and integration to promote child-centered climate interventions and support Liberia’s ARREST Agenda,” Bayoh said.
The workshop, which deepened understanding of climate impacts—particularly on development and children—also aimed to enhance local authorities’ capacity to mainstream climate action into their planning and budgeting processes.
Participants included senior officials from Nimba, Margibi, Bong, Lofa, River Gee, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, and Maryland Counties. The event was part of MFDP’s ongoing efforts to decentralize climate knowledge and equip regional actors to lead in building community-level climate resilience.