Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Laraamand S. Nyonton, underscored the importance of data in shaping national policies and development. Nyonton said evidence-based decision-making remains essential to solving Liberia’s social, economic and environmental challenges, urging the graduates to use research and data analytics to influence policy and improve lives
Paynesville-The Institute of Climate Change and Health Research, ICCHR, has graduated its first cohort of climate and health professionals, with speakers at the ceremony emphasizing research, data analytics and environmental stewardship as critical tools for addressing Liberia’s growing climate and public health challenges.
By: Willie N. Tokpah
The graduation ceremony, held Saturday, July 4, at the Liberian Learning Center in Paynesville, brought together government officials, environmental experts, academics, development partners and families to celebrate what the institute described as a milestone in strengthening Liberia’s climate research capacity.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Laraamand S. Nyonton, underscored the importance of data in shaping national policies and development.
Nyonton said evidence-based decision-making remains essential to solving Liberia’s social, economic and environmental challenges, urging the graduates to use research and data analytics to influence policy and improve lives.
He also pledged support for the institute’s academic and research agenda, describing data analytics and scientific research as indispensable pillars for informed governance.
He praised the institute for ensuring that members of the pioneer class contributed to the writing and publication of two scientific research articles during their training, encouraging ICCHR to sustain its commitment to producing evidence-based research.
Representing Environmental Protection Agency Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Chief of Office Staff Timothy R. Yoko challenged the graduates to become leaders in confronting Liberia’s escalating climate and environmental threats.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Yarkpawolo, Yoko said climate change is no longer a future concern but a present reality already affecting communities through coastal erosion, flooding, changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, declining agricultural productivity and increasing health risks.
He warned that poor waste management, deforestation, pollution, unsafe water sources and ecosystem destruction continue to threaten livelihoods and public health, stressing that environmental protection is fundamentally about protecting people.
Yoko reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening climate resilience through sound environmental governance, biodiversity conservation, pollution prevention and sustainable land management, while calling for stronger collaboration among government, academic institutions, researchers, civil society, development partners and the private sector.
He also reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to working closely with ICCHR to strengthen national research capacity and develop innovative solutions to Liberia’s environmental and climate challenges.
Guest of Honor and Chairlady of the ICCHR Board of Trustees, Julia K. Sandiman-Gbeyai, reminded the graduates that earning a certificate marked the beginning, not the end, of their responsibility to society.
Addressing the graduates under the theme, “Your Certificate is Not the Destination, It is Your Assignment,” Sandiman-Gbeyai encouraged them to use their education to solve problems, improve communities and serve humanity with integrity.
She stressed that while academic qualifications may open doors, character, professionalism and compassion determine lasting success.
“Certificates may get you an interview, but character keeps you in the room.
Integrity builds your reputation, compassion earns people’s trust, and service creates your legacy,” she told the graduates.
She further urged them to become lifelong learners and ethical leaders committed to advancing climate resilience, public health and sustainable national development.
Representing Environmental Protection Agency Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Chief of Office Staff Timothy R. Yoko challenged the graduates to become leaders in confronting Liberia’s escalating climate and environmental threats
Closing the ceremony, ICCHR Executive Director Forkpah Pewee described the graduation of the institute’s pioneer class as a defining moment in Liberia’s quest to strengthen climate change and health research.
Pewee said the institute was founded to develop professionals capable of generating scientific evidence that will support policy formulation and national development, adding that the graduation represents the fulfillment of that vision.
He disclosed that the pioneer graduates successfully participated in writing and publishing two scientific research papers during their course of study, describing the achievement as evidence of the institute’s commitment to practical research and innovation.
According to him, ICCHR intends to publish more data-driven scientific articles annually while expanding research partnerships with national and international institutions.
Pewee also announced that registration for the institute’s second cohort has commenced and expressed optimism about strengthening collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency in research, capacity building and knowledge sharing.
He thanked the faculty, partners, parents and graduates for helping to establish what he described as a new institution dedicated to producing professionals who will help shape Liberia’s response to climate change, environmental protection and public health challenges through research, innovation and evidence-based solutions.
