Monrovia, Liberia – November 21, 2024 - The Ministry of Transport is proud to announce the participation of Hon. Rudolph Gbee Natt, Deputy Minister for Land and Rail Transport, in a ground-breaking roundtable discussion organized by the International Transport Forum (ITF) at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29). The event, hosted in Azerbaijan, focused on the pressing need to decarbonize the global transport sector, a crucial step in combating climate change and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
As one of the central contributors to global carbon emissions—accounting for approximately 23% of energy-related CO2 emissions—the transport sector’s transition to sustainability is critical. At the roundtable, Deputy Minister Natt engaged with global leaders, experts, and stakeholders, emphasizing Liberia’s unique challenges and opportunities in decarbonizing its transport systems.
The Deputy Minister represented Liberia in the session titled "Greening Urban Transport," where discussions centered on transformative strategies to create eco-friendly, sustainable urban transportation systems. Key topics included the development of clean energy-powered vehicles, infrastructure investments, and policies to reduce congestion and emissions in rapidly growing cities.
During the session, Hon. Natt passionately advocated for:
•    Increased global support for emerging economies, particularly Liberia, in transitioning to sustainable transport models.
•    The integration of green transport policies into Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which form the backbone of the country’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
•    Collaborative regional efforts to adopt eco-friendly technologies and policies that benefit the ECOWAS region.
"Decarbonizing Liberia’s transport sector is not just a climate imperative—it is a socio-economic opportunity," Hon. Natt stated during his address. "Our commitment to this cause reflects our dedication to global climate action and our aspirations to build a more inclusive, sustainable future for all Liberians."
Liberia’s Role in Global Climate Action
The Deputy Minister’s engagement at COP29 demonstrates Liberia's growing influence in international climate forums and its commitment to sustainable development. COP29 serves as a critical platform for nations to unite in addressing climate change, fostering collaboration on innovative solutions that are both practical and transformative.
For Liberia, the insights gained from this global dialogue are pivotal. They will inform policies designed to:
•    Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector.
•    Enhance urban planning to accommodate eco-friendly transport systems.
•    Build resilience against climate impacts on infrastructure and mobility.
Charting a Sustainable Future
The Ministry of Transport is committed to leveraging the knowledge and connections gained at COP29 to advance Liberia’s climate agenda. Key priorities include modernizing the country’s transport infrastructure, promoting the use of renewable energy, and creating an enabling environment for private-sector investments in green transport solutions.
The participation of Deputy Minister Natt in this prestigious forum underscores Liberia’s resolve to be an active contributor to global climate solutions. As the nation navigates its path toward sustainable development, it remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing climate change while ensuring economic growth and social progress.