(Monrovia, Liberia – April 21, 2025 )– Liberia’s commitment to climate education and environmental leadership took center stage today as Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, delivered the opening remarks at an international webinar hosted by the University of Liberia.

The virtual event, organized through the University’s National University Climate Action Laboratory (NUCAL), marked the formal development and launch of the Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate Curriculum in Climate Action—an innovative program aimed at building technical capacity and leadership in climate-related fields.

Addressing a global audience, Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized the critical role of education in advancing climate resilience and sustainable development in Liberia. “Climate change is not just a global environmental issue—it is a national development issue,” he said. “Education must be at the forefront of building a climate-resilient and sustainable Liberia, particularly for successful implementation of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.”

He commended the University of Liberia and its partners for leading this pioneering effort and extended gratitude to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and implementing partner Novasphere for supporting the curriculum initiative.

“The EPA remains proud to partner with academic institutions to advance climate literacy and foster the next generation of environmental leaders,” Dr. Yarkpawolo noted. “The launch of this curriculum is a shining example of what can be achieved through innovation, collaboration, and vision.”

Also addressing the forum was University President Prof. Dr. Layli Maparyan, who reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to research-driven climate solutions. Additional presentations were delivered by Dr. Charles Asumana Sr., Dean of the College of Science & Technology, and Dr. Emmanuel T. Olatunji, who provided detailed insight into the curriculum structure and learning objectives.

Students and faculty participating in the program also shared firsthand experiences, highlighting how the course is shaping new perspectives on climate policy and environmental engagement.

Now in its fourth month of implementation, the Climate Action curriculum stands as Liberia’s first postgraduate program dedicated to climate change education, blending academic instruction with practical fieldwork.

Today’s webinar served not only to celebrate this milestone but also to amplify Liberia’s voice in the global climate narrative.

As Dr. Yarkpawolo added, “Let us continue to invest in education, research, and policy that empower us to act boldly and urgently in the face of the global climate crisis.”

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