AGP Executive Report

Climate Risk & Early Warning: Experts warn Liberia’s “jaw-dropping” El Niño could bring erratic rains, flooding, extreme heat, and disruption—yet Liberia’s weak weather warning system and limited stations leave communities exposed. Waste & Public Health: Whein Town residents demand closure of an overused landfill, citing foul water, pests, and collapsed walls that invite rodents and snakes. Conservation Restart: Liberia relaunched the €4.7m Taï-Grebo-Krahn biodiversity project to strengthen Grebo-Krahn National Park protection and livelihoods, with a new July 2026–June 2029 focus. Tourism Tech Push: Liberia marked World Tourism Day with LNTA launches of digital tools (Unforgettable Liberia and the MEL Data Suite) to boost destination promotion and planning. Fisheries Governance Reform: EJF and NaFAA launched a fisheries transparency reform to tackle IUU fishing, strengthen enforcement, and improve public oversight. Community Environment Watch: Residents and youth groups are also raising alarms over a new Western Liberia logging deal, echoing unpaid promises from a prior contract.

Climate & Disaster Risk: Experts warn Liberia’s “jaw-dropping” El Niño could strain a weak weather warning system, leaving communities exposed to erratic rains, flooding, extreme heat, and shocks to farming and fishing. Public Health & Waste: Whein Town residents demand the closure of an overused landfill, citing rising mosquitoes, foul water, and more rodents/snakes after wall collapses. Biodiversity & Conservation: Liberia relaunched the €4.7M Taï-Grebo-Krahn conservation project to protect Grebo-Krahn National Park and support cross-border conservation along the Cavalla River. Fisheries Governance: EJF and NaFAA launched a three-year fisheries transparency reform to curb illegal fishing, strengthen enforcement, and improve public oversight. Tourism & Tech: LNTA marked World Tourism Day with new digital tools to boost destination marketing and tourism planning. Infrastructure Safety: A deep cut on Janapita Bridge in Bong County is linked to separate truck and taxi accidents, raising urgent road-repair concerns. Health Systems: MOH and faith partners begin a workshop to plan a Faith and Community Initiative for a more sustainable, community-led healthcare system.

Maritime Safety & Seafarer Protection: Liberia and India launched a UN-backed Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, aiming to strengthen protections for crews as attacks at sea and in key routes continue. Digital Tourism: The Liberia National Tourism Authority marked World Tourism Day by urging wider use of digital tools and AI to market destinations and support local tourism businesses. Child Nutrition Alarm: A new regional review warns child malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa is driven by more than food—disease, sanitation gaps, climate pressures, healthcare access, and caregiver knowledge all play roles. Health Tech Rollout: OneHealthEHR moved its offline-first electronic health record and disease-surveillance platform into live use in Liberia and Ghana, expanding to multiple clinics since launch. Business & Human Rights in Extractives: Integrity Watch Liberia, with EU support, trained CSOs and institutions to monitor forestry and extractive sector impacts and strengthen grievance and accountability systems. Flooding Abroad: Tropical Wave 47 left over 400 homes flooded in Costa Rica, with shelters opened and cleanup underway.

Maritime Safety Push: Liberia and India launched a UN-backed Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, aiming to curb “unacceptable” attacks on crews and protect global trade, with Liberia’s shipping registry and India’s seafarer workforce at the center. Forestry & Extractives Accountability: Integrity Watch Liberia, with EU support, trained government and civil society on business and human rights monitoring in Liberia’s forestry and extractive sectors, focusing on corporate accountability and grievance mechanisms. Witness Protection Plan: Liberia’s Witness Protection Agency wrapped a stakeholder review of its 2027–2031 strategy, stressing coordination, sustainable funding, and safer systems for witnesses and whistleblowers. Health Data Rollout: OneHealthEHR went live in Liberia and Ghana, expanding from four to seven clinics in weeks using an offline-first system built for unreliable internet and electricity. Energy Sector Tension: Dissatisfied stakeholders criticized Jungle Energy Power’s handling of the Nimba Grid and the regulator’s quick renewal of its license. Youth & Skills for Change: A new Anwelle Foundation launched in Jirapa to support education, clean water, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods, while Liberia’s youth-focused YEIB-MANCO targets credit barriers for thousands of young entrepreneurs.

Maritime Safety Push: India and Liberia launched an action-driven international coalition at UNGA to protect commercial shipping and seafarers after “unacceptable” attacks across routes from the Gulf to the Red Sea and Black Sea. UNGA Security & Climate Stakes: India’s Jaishankar warned of a “weaponisation of everything” and a “4F crisis” (food, fuel, fertiliser, finance), urging de-escalation and stronger global responsibility. Youth & Livelihoods: Liberia’s Presidential Envoy Daniel Kolubah backed the new Anwelle Foundation in Jirapa, calling for enabling environments so young people can turn ideas into sustainable livelihoods. Rural Development Focus: Anwelle Foundation says it will support education, vocational training, healthcare, clean water, and livelihood empowerment for underserved communities in Upper West. Press Freedom & Sustainability: Liberia’s PUL will mark its 62nd anniversary in Monrovia with a theme linking independent media to democracy, accountability, and sustainable development. Youth Finance Model: YEIB-MANCO targets 30,000 young Liberians for support, aiming to ease barriers like high interest rates and collateral demands through financing plus business support.

Maritime Safety Push: India and Liberia launched an international “Group of Friends” to protect commercial shipping and seafarers after attacks across the Gulf, Red Sea and beyond, with India calling the harm “simply unacceptable” and warning of a wider “weaponisation of everything.” UNGA Climate-Conflict Link: At UNGA81, India’s Jaishankar warned the Global South faces a “4F crisis” (food, fuel, fertiliser, finance) and urged de-escalation and stronger AI governance—issues Liberia’s maritime and climate-security agenda can’t ignore. Liberia Media & Democracy: The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) will mark its 62nd anniversary in Monrovia focused on empowering independent media for democracy, accountability and sustainable development. Youth Finance for Sustainability: YEIB-MANCO says it will target 30,000 Liberian youth directly and 120,000 indirectly with financing plus business support to tackle high interest rates and credit barriers. Plastic Waste Skills: CNCL graduates 20 youth in plastic waste management, building local capacity for cleaner waste handling. Agriculture & Livelihoods: IITA’s cassava push in Bong highlights “cassava as the new white gold,” training seed producers under the EU-funded Seeds4Liberia project.

Diaspora to Delivery: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai urged Liberians abroad to move from dialogue and remittances to concrete investments and projects that deliver measurable change, as he addressed the 2026 Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference in the US. Plastic Pollution Skills: Champions for Nature Conservation Liberia (CNCL) graduated 20 youths from a plastic waste management and circular economy training, aiming to cut pollution that worsens blocked drainage, flooding, and environmental damage—supported by UNDP/GEF Small Grants. Youth Finance for Green Jobs: YEIB-MANCO says it will target at least 30,000 young Liberians for support and 120,000 indirectly, using a model that blends financing with business support to tackle barriers like high interest and limited long-term credit. Maritime Safety & Climate Costs: India and Liberia launched an action-driven coalition to push maritime safety after attacks on shipping, while Liberia also warned at the UN that IMO net-zero shipping rules must be fair and affordable for developing countries. Agriculture Delivery Push: Liberia’s Agriculture Ministry and IFAD launched a supervision mission to speed up key farm projects, including climate-resilient rice and cocoa and soil health work. Digital Rights Alliance: Ten Liberian civil society groups formed DARA to strengthen digital rights, privacy, online safety, and digital freedoms.

Maritime Safety Push: India and Liberia launched an action-driven coalition to protect commercial shipping and seafarers after “unacceptable attacks,” with Liberia’s shipping registry and India’s maritime workforce teaming up to raise standards and shape policy. Climate Justice at Sea: Liberia also renewed calls for a fair, equitable IMO net-zero decarbonization approach, warning that higher shipping costs could hit developing countries’ trade, food and energy security. Youth & Jobs Finance: YEIB-MANCO says it will target at least 30,000 young Liberians for support and aims to tackle barriers like high interest rates and tough collateral through a financing-plus-incubation model. Plastic Pollution to Circular Economy: Champions for Nature Conservation Liberia graduated 20 youth from a plastic waste training backed by UNDP/GEF, aiming to cut pollution and create green jobs through reduce, reuse, recycle and recover. Agriculture Livelihoods: IITA’s Dr. Mercy Diebiru-Ojo promoted cassava as “new white gold,” linking improved seed production to commercialization and sustainable income in Bong County. Education in Emergencies: Liberia’s neighbors look set to scale education initiatives for crisis-affected children, highlighting how shocks disrupt learning and safety.

Maritime Safety Push: India and Liberia launched an action-driven coalition, the “Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers,” to respond to “unacceptable attacks” on merchant vessels and seafarers across major routes. Climate & Shipping Equity: Liberia warned the IMO’s Net-Zero shipping push could burden developing economies, urging a fair, affordable, scalable decarbonization approach that protects trade, food and energy security. Youth & Jobs Finance: YEIB-MANCO says it will target at least 30,000 Liberian youth for support and expand access to credit by combining financing with business development and incubation. Plastic Pollution Skills: Champions for Nature Conservation Liberia (CNCL) graduated 20 young people from a plastic waste management and circular economy training backed by UNDP/GEF small grants, aiming to cut pollution and create green jobs. Agriculture Boost: IITA’s Dr. Mercy Diebiru-Ojo told farmers cassava is “the new white gold,” highlighting EU-funded Seeds4Liberia training to improve certified seed production and commercialization. Education Capacity: KJGF and the Bong County education office trained 25 teachers and school leaders on safer schools and better learning outcomes.

UN Security Council Reform: Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai told the UN General Assembly that “80 years of patience is enough,” calling for sweeping Security Council changes, including at least two permanent African seats with full rights and veto power, plus more non-permanent seats, saying Africa’s exclusion weakens trust and legitimacy. Maritime Climate Policy: Liberia also pushed for a fair, practical decarbonization path for shipping, warning that IMO net-zero rules could raise transport costs and hit food, fuel, and energy security in developing countries. Cyber Rights: A River Gee senator said Liberia’s Cybercrime Act is meant to target cyber threats, not silence free speech or peaceful dissent. Plastic Pollution & Jobs: Champions for Nature Conservation Liberia graduated 20 youth from a plastic waste training, aiming to cut pollution and grow circular-economy livelihoods. Education & Safeguarding: In Bong County, 25 teachers and school leaders received capacity training focused on safer schools and better learning outcomes. Media & Democracy: Liberia’s Press Union marks its 62nd anniversary with a push for stronger independent media to support accountability and sustainable development.

Maritime Climate Policy: Liberia is pushing a fairer, practical decarbonization plan for international shipping, warning that net-zero rules shouldn’t saddle developing countries with higher transport costs that could hit food security and everyday essentials. Natural Capital & Peace: Liberia also unveiled a push to turn over $30B in natural capital—forests, mangroves, biodiversity and renewable potential—into climate resilience and sustainable growth, linking environmental governance to conflict prevention. Child Nutrition Crisis: A new report warns aid cuts and rising prices have tripled acute childhood malnutrition, with nearly one in four children dangerously malnourished and many families unable to afford food. Agriculture Seeds Boost: CARI, supported through SADFONS, hit a 100MT seed rice milestone, backed by an AfDB machinery donation to expand mechanized farming. Digital Rights: Ten Liberian CSOs formed a Digital Advocacy and Rights Alliance to push for a data protection law, an independent authority, tighter cybercrime oversight, and accountability on internet shutdowns. Electricity Access Goal: Liberia says it aims to reach 75% electricity access by 2029–2030, while warning the system must become financially sustainable.

Climate-Natural Capital Push: Liberia unveiled a plan to turn over $30B in natural capital—forests, mangroves, biodiversity and renewable energy—into climate resilience and peacebuilding as it links climate, conflict and resource governance at the UNGA. Child Nutrition Alarm: Aid cuts and rising prices have driven acute childhood malnutrition to triple, with surveys showing nearly one in four children dangerously malnourished and more stunted. Electricity Access: Liberia says electricity access rose from 32% to 39%, with LEC targeting more connections and warning the system is still losing money. Climate-Security at UN: EPA hosted a UNGA dialogue on how forests, land, water and minerals can either fuel conflict or support peace and resilience. Maritime Rules & Security: Liberia urged a pragmatic IMO approach to shipping emissions so costs don’t crush developing countries, while also holding high-level US-Liberia maritime security talks. Water & Community Needs: Bong County residents in Kpolokplah are calling for urgent safe water as families rely on a stream. Digital Rights: Ten Liberian CSOs formed a coalition to push for a data protection law, tighter oversight of surveillance, and accountability on internet shutdowns.

Climate-Conflict-Natural Resources: Liberia’s EPA will host a UNGA-linked high-level dialogue in New York on how climate change and natural-resource management can either fuel conflict or support peace, resilience, and sustainable development. Women & Climate Justice: A Women’s Climate Assembly is set to bring African women together to push for climate justice and reparations, spotlighting land, forests, water, seeds, and community-led solutions. Maritime Emissions Fight: Trump used the UNGA to attack the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, alleging it could act like a global carbon tax that raises shipping costs. Coastal Transport Upgrade: Liberia’s LiMA is advancing plans for a modern multi-purpose ferry under a public-private partnership to boost coastal movement of people and goods. Electricity Access: Liberia reports electricity access rising from 32% to 39%, with LEC assessing new grid expansion sites in Lofa and Grand Cape Mount. Water Safety Urgency: Residents of Kpolokplah in Bong County say they still rely on a nearby stream for drinking water and are calling for urgent repairs and new water projects. Governance & Integrity: Boakai declared October “Good Governance Month,” pushing transparency and accountability across public institutions.

Climate-Security Agenda: Liberia’s EPA is convening UNGA talks on how climate change and natural-resource management can fuel conflict—or help build peace, resilience, and sustainable development. Water Access Crisis: Residents of Kpolokplah in Bong County are calling for urgent safe drinking water after relying on a nearby stream; officials say a damaged hand pump repair is pending. Coastal Transport Push: Liberia’s Maritime Authority is advancing plans for a modern multi-purpose ferry under a public-private partnership to boost coastal movement of people, vehicles, and cargo. Blue Economy & Maritime Ties: Liberia and the U.S. co-hosted a maritime business roundtable on port development, sustainable fisheries, and investment, linking sea-lane security to trade. Electricity Expansion: Liberia’s electricity access reportedly rose to 39% as LEC assesses new grid connections in Lofa and Grand Cape Mount. Good Governance Month: Boakai declares October a “Good Governance Month,” spotlighting integrity, transparency, and citizen participation. Maritime Safety Cooperation: Liberia’s Registry, LiMA, and China’s MSA held technical engagements, including joint vessel inspection to strengthen compliance. Education & Community Support: AGL’s Solidarity Day launches “Schools for Prosperity,” backing school renovations, equipment, and girls’ access to education across Africa.

Decentralization Push: Liberia is holding a high-level dialogue on decentralization and local governance to move political, fiscal and administrative authority from Monrovia to counties, with UNDP support and a focus on implementing the 2018 Local Government Act. Climate-Conflict Link: Liberia will host a UNGA side event on how climate change, natural resources and conflict are tied together, aiming for pathways to peace and resilience. Water Security Planning: LWSC and the African Union Commission wrapped a five-day workshop to shape a climate-resilient water investment plan, turning priorities into bankable projects. Coastal Transport Upgrade: LiMA is advancing a modern multi-purpose ferry under a public-private partnership to boost coastal movement of people, vehicles, cargo and heavy equipment. Maritime Safety Cooperation: The Liberian Registry, LiMA and China’s Maritime Safety Administration concluded technical exchanges, including joint vessel inspections to strengthen flag and port state compliance. Port Trade Efficiency: Customs brokers are urging faster, more predictable cargo clearance through digitalization, better coordination and continued port infrastructure investment. Education Disruption: In Bong County, damaged roofs and missing chairs are forcing schools to lose classroom time during rains, threatening learning continuity. Youth, Peace Agenda: Young leaders are set for a national conference in Ganta to push action on Liberia’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security.

Maritime Safety & Environment: The Liberian Registry, Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) and China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) wrapped technical exchanges, including a joint vessel inspection, to strengthen flag/port compliance and safety standards that also protect the marine environment. Trade Logistics & Pollution Risk: Customs brokers at the Freeport of Monrovia pushed for digitalization and better port infrastructure to speed cargo clearance—an efficiency push that can also reduce delays that often worsen emissions and port-area waste. Climate–Peace Link: Liberia’s EPA and UNDP will host a UNGA side event on how climate change, natural resources and conflict are tied together, as Liberia prepares for its Security Council presidency. Water Resilience Planning: LWSC and the African Union Commission concluded a five-day workshop to build a climate-resilient water investment plan aimed at attracting financing for WASH projects. Schools Hit by Weather: In Bong County, damaged roofs and missing classrooms chairs at Beletanla and Blemeyea schools are forcing students home when it rains. Forestry Reform: Liberia is considering major changes to its forestry reform law to better align with newer land rights and climate/biodiversity commitments, including issues like traceability and community rights. Agriculture Mechanization: Liberia received the first batch of Chinese farm machinery for mechanized smallholder farming, with more equipment expected soon. Youth, Peace & Security: A national youth conference in Nimba will press for action on Liberia’s Youth, Peace and Security plan, backed by EU and Ireland support.