Nimba County, Liberia – The Government of Liberia, through its Climate Change Office at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), has launched a comprehensive week-long capacity-building training program focused on climate change and climate finance.
Supported by Conservation International and funded by the NDC Partnership, the “In-depth Policy Training” is being held at Jackie’s Conference Hall in Ganta City, Nimba County, from February 24 to March 1, 2025.
The primary objective of this training is to enhance the understanding of MFDP staff regarding climate finance, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) policy, and the integration of climate considerations into financial planning and reporting. Participants will acquire essential skills and knowledge in climate change adaptation, climate finance mechanisms, and the incorporation of climate action into policy and budgeting processes.
This training is a crucial component of the ongoing initiative to strengthen the Climate Integration and Financing Office (CIFO), established in November 2024, which is mandated to mainstream climate change considerations into Liberia’s national development planning and budgeting.
At the opening session, Mr. Foday Couch Bayoh, Jr., Director of CIFO, emphasized the critical importance of embedding climate finance and climate action into Liberia’s development processes. “The knowledge gained from this exercise will empower staff from different Units and Departments across the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning,” he stated. He also highlighted the goal of enhancing the capacity of climate desk officers and MFDP staff to integrate climate change into financial planning, policy development, and reporting, ultimately contributing to Liberia’s long-term climate goals.
Mr. Bayoh expressed gratitude to Conservation International and the NDC Partnership for their financial support, noting that CIFO plays a vital role in mobilizing resources for climate-resilient projects aligned with Liberia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and NDCs. He further explained that this training will support the growing capacity of CIFO to ensure Liberia meets its climate goals.
Lead facilitator, Mr. Assaf Kumeh, underscored the importance of financing climate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience. He provided an overview of the global climate finance landscape and relevant sources for Liberia, emphasizing the urgency of climate action in addressing global warming.
Mr. Neal Hueward, Project Officer of Conservation International, highlighted CI’s ongoing support for mainstreaming climate change into Liberia’s national and county development agendas, including the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). He noted that this training builds upon previous workshops, such as the one held in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, in January 2025.
Participants will engage in sessions covering:
* Climate change foundations and global context
* Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and climate policy
* Climate finance mechanisms, including the Green Climate Fund
* Stakeholder engagement and sectorial integration (agriculture, energy, transport, waste)
* Results-based financing (RBF) for NDCs and carbon markets
* Private sector engagement and nature-based solutions for climate resilience
This comprehensive training program demonstrates Liberia’s commitment to building capacity and taking decisive action to address climate change.
