Liberia: Kemayah Urges Global Youth to Move Beyond Climate Talk, Demand a Seat at Policy Table

Speaking at the IHRC-COP31 Simulation Conference, Liberia’s former Foreign Minister calls for meaningful youth participation in climate diplomacy, stronger climate financing, renewable-energy innovation and accountability as Türkiye prepares to host COP31 in November. MONROVIA — Former Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah Sr. has called for a fundamental shift in global climate governance, urging governments and international institutions to move young people beyond symbolic participation and give them a meaningful role in climate negotiations, policymaking and implementation. By Gerald C.

Koinyeneh Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC)-COP31 Simulation Conference 2026 on Saturday, October 24, Kemayah argued that young people must be recognized as active partners in addressing climate change rather than treated merely as future leaders who will inherit its consequences. “The future of our planet is being shaped by decisions we make today, and young people must have a meaningful voice in those decisions,” Kemayah told participants at the two-day online conference held under the theme, “Global Youth, Climate Diplomacy, and a Sustainable Future. ” The conference brought together students, young professionals, diplomats, scholars and civil society representatives to explore international climate negotiations and the challenges of reaching agreements on climate finance, technology transfer, energy security and climate-related displacement. Kemayah, who served as Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet, said climate change had evolved beyond an environmental concern into a global development challenge affecting food security, public health, livelihoods, economic growth and human dignity.…