New York, USA – Liberia’s First Lady, Kartumu Yarta Boakai, on Tuesday, September 23, joined her African counterparts in New York for the historic launch of a continental campaign aimed at empowering women and girls to withstand the growing threats of climate change and conflict.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), was unveiled on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The three-year campaign (2025–2027) is themed: “Building Resilience for Women and Girls in the Face of Climate Change and Conflict.”
Mrs. Boakai described the intersection of climate shocks and conflict as a “dangerous convergence” undermining peace and threatening lives across Africa.
In her remarks, the Liberian First Lady pledged strong backing for the campaign’s health component, stressing that access to quality health care remains fundamental to resilience.
“I pledge to support this health campaign, which is a call for success in the face of climate and conflict. With health, the dreams and hopes of our countries, our communities, and our families are upheld,” she declared.
The high-level gathering at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice brought together African First Ladies, global partners, and development actors to mobilize political will and secure financing for initiatives that protect women and girls.
Organizers described the campaign as a rallying call for governments and stakeholders to place women and girls at the center of climate and conflict response strategies, ensuring their health, safety, and socio-economic empowerment.
