By Domingo Dargbeh
The University of Liberia (UL) held a graduation ceremony over the weekend at the National Action Climate Lab. The exercise marked the completion of UL inaugural cohort of the Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) for Climate Action postgraduate diploma and certificate program. The initiative is to equip professionals with required skills to address climate change and promote sustainable development.
The Dean of the Department of MRV for Climate Action Curriculum program, Professor Charles Asumana, Sr. spoke of the program’s role in fostering transparency and accountability in climate action efforts.
The MRV for Climate Action curriculum program, is designed to educate participants on systems thinking; scientific policy; ethics, and socio-economic factors. The curriculum culminates in a capstone project, enabling students to apply their knowledge in practical settings.
Asumana acknowledged the challenges faced by students throughout their studies, noting that despite financial constraints, 16 dedicated graduates successfully completed the program.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, highlighted the importance of the program in responding to climate change.
“This event reflects a practical step towards enhancing our country’s capacity to tackle climate change through knowledge and collaboration.”
Dr. Yarkpawolo underscored the need for professionals capable of generating data, monitoring progress, and guiding national decision-making processes related to environmental governance.
The EPA recognizes UL role in developing the expertise required for effective environmental management, noting that the establishment of a national laboratory in conjunction with the MRV program, demonstrates how national institutions can collaborate to build long-term capacity.
The Government of Canada has also supported this initiative, showcasing the value of international partnerships that invest in local capacity for sustainable development.
Graduates of the MRV program are expected to play critical roles in strengthening Liberia’s climate action commitments and contributing to national development priorities.
UL Co-Lead of the MRV Curriculum program, Emmanuel Temitope Olatunji,
encouraged the graduates to leverage the skills they have acquired to support the country’s climate goals, particularly in alignment with the ambitions set forth in the Paris Agreement.
The graduation ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of the first cohort, but reinforced the importance of education, and training in addressing environmental challenges and fostering resilience.
As the nation continues to navigate the complexities of climate change, programs like MRV for Climate Action are essential for building a knowledgeable workforce capable of driving sustainable change.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, they carry with them the hopes and expectations of a nation eager to confront its environmental challenges with informed and responsible action.