The United Nations Development Program (UNDP)-Liberia and UN Women Liberia on Thursday, October 30, 2025 co-hosted a dialogue on gender-responsive peace, security and climate action at the One UN House in Sinkor, Monrovia.
The dialogue, which brought together government leaders, civil society and partners, explored how climate change affects women and vulnerable groups—and how their leadership drives resilience.
Speaking at the event, on the theme, “Women, Climate, and Conflict: Advancing Gender Reproductive-Security and the Rule of Law in a Changing Climate”, the President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, observed that a climate-resilient Liberia must be a gender-just Liberia. He said when the nation invests in protecting women’s rights, reproductive-security, and legal access, it strengthens households, stabilize communities, and safeguard the peace.
Cllr. Varmah said, “Colleagues and friends, the intersection of climate, conflict, and gender is not abstract; it is lived reality for Liberian women in West Point, New Kru Town, Grand Kru, Sinoe, and Bomi. Protecting them is both a moral responsibility and a legal obligation.
“As we confront climate change, let us do so with the full arsenal of the law guided by equity, human dignity, and justice. The rule of law must not erode with the coastline; it must become stronger.”
The LNBA President then committed the bar to supporting public education on environmental rights and gender protections, partnering with civil society to monitor violations in climate-affected zones, strengthening legal aid for women in vulnerable circumstances, and training lawyers on environmental justice and reproductive-security law.
Furthermore, he joined global calls to ensure that climate financing reaches women’s groups and local communities who are innovating practical resilience strategies.
“On behalf of the Liberian National Bar Association, I reaffirm our commitment to work collaboratively to ensure that gender justice, reproductive health, and the rule of law remain pillars of our national climate response,” Cllr. Varmah added.
