MONROVIA, LIBERIA-All is now set for holding of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, the United Kingdom, from October 31 to November 12, 2021.
Delegations from various countries have begun arriving in the Scottish city of Glasgow, for the climate change conference that will bring together parties from across the world, to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
COP26 has four key goals, including securing global net zero by 2050 and keep warming of only 1.5C within grasp, stepping up protection of communities and habitats under threat from climate change, increasing financial support for vulnerable countries – with wealthier countries fulfilling their promise to deliver $100bn in climate finance per year, and finalizing and agreeing the operational detail laid out in the 2015 Paris Agreement and forge stronger links between government, business and the public.
Liberia, as part of the global community, is taking one of the largest delegations to the gathering, and like many other countries, has its own case to make. President, George Weah, is expected to address the conference on day one-during the world leaders’ summit.
meanwhile, a conglomeration of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) wants the Liberian delegation at the conference prioritize water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), as change in the climate has a negative impact on the WASH sector.
The Liberia Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Committee on Climate Change and WASH (LCCCW), following a two-day brainstorm workshop in Sinkor, believed that the climate crisis is a water and sanitation crisis, emphasizing the need for action to mitigate the impact.
The participants stressed the need for climate action and water, sanitation and hygiene to go hand in hand, and integrate water and sanitation into climate policies and strategies with communities placed in the driver’s seat.
Before the departure of the Liberian delegation over the weekend, the LCCCW presented series of messages to the delegation to be included in the Liberian presentation at the conference.
The messages were compiled by Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) and the local civil society organizations.
SWA is a global partnership of governments, donors, civil society organizations and other development partners working together to coordinate high-level action, improve accountability and use scarce resources more effectively.
Presenting the document, SWA Country Monitoring Champion and CSO Focus Point, Timothy Kpeh, called for alignment of water and sanitation policies with climate commitments, and ensure their reflection in national emissions-reducing and adaptation plans known as nationally determined contributions.
Mr. Kpeh stressed the need to prioritize investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene in integrated crisis recovery
strategies, with a focus on the climate, the economy and public health.
In response, a representative of the Liberian delegation to the COP26 Conference, Arthur Becker, of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) noted that WASH is germane to the climate crisis.
Mr. Becker assured that the CSOs message will be conveyed.
