A high-level Liberian government delegation has begun active participation in the Forest Governance, Markets & Climate (FGMC) Stakeholder Forum 2026, currently underway in London, United Kingdom. The two-day international conference, organized by the UK Government through its international development program, runs from April 14–15, 2026, and convenes global stakeholders to deliberate on forest governance, climate policy, and sustainable financing systems.
The Liberian delegation is led by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, who delivered a keynote address at the opening session. In his remarks, Cllr. Tweh emphasized that forest governance is fundamentally a rule of law issue, asserting that sustainable development cannot be achieved without accountable oversight of financial flows that shape forest use and management.
He highlighted Liberia’s long-standing legal and institutional framework for forest governance, while acknowledging persistent challenges in enforcement and implementation. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening accountability, combating illegal forest activities, and ensuring that forest resources benefit the Liberian people.
Cllr. Tweh also expressed Liberia’s appreciation for its enduring partnership with the United Kingdom, particularly its continued support toward strengthening forest governance systems and legal frameworks. He underscored that Liberia’s engagement in such international platforms reflects its determination to align national priorities with global environmental and economic governance standards.
Joining the delegation are the Managing Director of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Rudolph J. Merab Sr., and his Deputy Managing Director for Conservation, Community and Carbon, Ms. Nora Bowier. Merab is expected to present Liberia’s forest sector agenda, focusing on the challenges posed by deforestation and the urgent need for international support. He will advocate for sustainable resource management strategies that balance conservation with community development.
The Assistant Minister for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Justice, Joel Elkanah Theoway, is also part of the delegation, reinforcing Liberia’s multi-sectoral approach to environmental governance and economic development.
The FDA leadership reiterated its commitment to advancing Liberia’s interests in international engagements that promote transparency, accountability, and sustainable resource management. Merab noted that Liberia’s forests are both a national treasure and a global asset, requiring collaborative efforts to safeguard them against exploitation while ensuring they contribute to economic growth and community resilience.
The FGMC Forum provides Liberia with an opportunity to showcase its progress, confront its challenges, and seek stronger partnerships in forest governance and climate action. As discussions continue, Liberia’s delegation is expected to push for greater support in building institutional capacity, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and securing sustainable financing for forest conservation.
