On April 17, 2024, Monrovia witnessed a powerful display of youth activism as ACTIVISTA Network in Liberia spearheaded a monumental climate justice strike. More than 400 impassioned young individuals convened to march through Tubman Boulevard, converging at the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) office in a resounding call for urgent action on climate change and environmental protection.
The strike, fueled by a fervent desire for change, targeted the EPA, Liberia’s principal authority for environmental management. Carrying banners emblazoned with advocacy messages for climate finance and an end to environmental pollution and degradation, the youth activists delivered a poignant petition statement outlining crucial demands to address the looming climate crisis.
Central to the petition were calls for the implementation of a comprehensive National Waste Management Policy, dedicated national budgetary allocations for climate action, and meaningful youth inclusion in the development of the national Climate Learning Strategy. These demands underscored the imperative for proactive measures to mitigate environmental threats and safeguard the future of Liberia’s ecosystems.
The petition statement, symbolizing the collective voice of Liberia’s youth, was received by Hon. Dweh Bolay, Deputy Executive Director of the EPA. In his response, Hon. Bolay commended the young activists for their proactive engagement and assured them that their voices would be heard at the highest levels of government. He pledged the EPA’s commitment to act on the recommendations put forth and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing climate change.
The Deputy Executive Director’s remarks signal a promising commitment to partnership and collaboration between youth activists and government agencies in tackling the climate crisis. Encouraged by this display of receptiveness, the youth are urged to maintain momentum by actively engaging with the EPA to ensure the fulfillment of commitments made.
As the fight against climate change intensifies, the involvement of young people becomes increasingly indispensable. The resounding call for action in Monrovia serves as a testament to the power of youth-led activism in driving meaningful change and inspiring collective action towards a sustainable future for all.
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