Liberia's Environmental Protection Agency Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo addressed a high-level side event at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He emphasized that the country's natural resources should be managed as a foundation for peace, resilience, and sustainable development, rather than solely as an economic asset. The event, organized by the Government of Liberia and the United Nations Development Programme, brought together government officials, UN representatives, development partners, and experts.
The side event, themed "The Nexus Between Climate, Conflict and Natural Resources: Pathways to Peace, Resilience, and Sustainable Development," aimed to draw international attention to the links between environmental challenges, peace, and sustainable development. Dr. Yarkpawolo highlighted Liberia's rich natural endowment, including forests, minerals, rivers, fisheries, and coastal ecosystems, which can contribute to economic development and improve livelihoods. However, he cautioned that the benefits of these resources depend heavily on how they are governed.
Dr. Yarkpawolo stressed that strong institutions, transparency, and community participation are essential for the responsible management of Liberia's natural resources. He warned that environmental pressures can compound existing social and economic difficulties, particularly in communities already affected by poverty, inequality, and limited access to basic services. Climate change can also place additional pressure on land, water, and other resources, potentially increasing competition and tensions if institutions lack the capacity to manage those pressures effectively.
The EPA Executive Director emphasized that community involvement should be central to natural-resource governance, as local communities are often directly affected by decisions involving environmental resources. He argued that stronger environmental governance could help Liberia confront climate-related risks while creating opportunities for sustainable economic activity. Protecting natural resources should not be viewed as an obstacle to development, but as an essential component of development planning.
Dr. Yarkpawolo also highlighted the importance of transparency in ensuring that citizens understand how natural resources are governed and how their economic benefits are distributed. Effective institutions are necessary to ensure that environmental regulations are enforced, resource exploitation is conducted responsibly, and communities have avenues to address their concerns. The gathering provided Liberia with an international platform to discuss how lessons from its peace experience could inform its response to emerging climate and environmental challenges.
The discussions underscored the need for climate resilience to be incorporated into national development planning, particularly as Liberia seeks to maximize the benefits of its natural resources while protecting ecosystems. Dr. Yarkpawolo maintained that sustainable management of Liberia's natural wealth requires a balance between economic development, environmental protection, and the interests of communities. The side event is expected to contribute to ongoing discussions on climate, peace, and sustainable development while reinforcing Liberia's role in international conversations on the governance of natural resources.
The event took place ahead of Liberia's December 2026 presidency of the United Nations Security Council. Dr. Yarkpawolo's engagement with international stakeholders aims to promote Liberia's perspective on the interconnectedness of environmental challenges, peace, and sustainable development. By sharing Liberia's experience, the country can contribute to global efforts to address the complex relationships between climate change, natural resources, and conflict.
Key points
- Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that Liberia's natural resources must be managed responsibly and transparently to ensure peace, resilience, and sustainable development.
- The EPA Executive Director highlighted the importance of community involvement in natural-resource governance and the need for strong institutions to manage environmental pressures.
- The side event aimed to draw international attention to the links between environmental challenges, peace, and sustainable development, ahead of Liberia's presidency of the UN Security Council.
