Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, Acting President of UL, highlighted the university’s longstanding commitment to climate action and sustainable development.
Monrovia – On Friday, November 8, 2024, the University of Liberia (UL) launched a Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate Program in Climate Action, inaugurating the National University Climate Action Laboratory (NUCAL) on its Capitol Hill Campus.
The launch marks a transformative step toward building Liberia’s capacity for climate resilience, environmental protection, and emissions reduction aligned with Liberia’s Evergreen Roadmap and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, Acting President of UL, highlighted the university’s longstanding commitment to climate action and sustainable development. He thanked Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, and NovaSphere (a Canadian Corporation implementing ECCC’s project) for their support in creating educational programs that will advance Liberia’s climate resilience. “This program brings our academic vision in alignment with Liberia’s climate goals and strengthens our role as a hub of knowledge and innovation in climate action,” he said.
EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, the event’s chief launcher, underscored the urgency of building local expertise for climate initiatives. “EPA is proud to partner with UL and ECCC through NovaSphere to equip Liberians with the necessary skills to meet our national climate commitments. We envision a future where Liberia’s youth and professionals lead in protecting our environment and building sustainable communities,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated.
Hon. Sam P. Jallah, Chair of the House Committee on Science and Technology, praised the program and laboratory launch as a milestone for Liberian education and climate policy. He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for Liberia’s development. “Empowering our students through climate action education is the foundation for Liberia’s sustainable future,” he noted, advocating for continued support of science and technology education across Liberia.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes Reeves Taylor commended the cross-disciplinary nature of the program, noting that it integrates scientific, ethical, and practical perspectives on climate action. She added that this academic initiative would significantly enhance Liberia’s capabilities in Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) processes, climate finance, and policy development.
Dr. Charles Asumana, Dean of the College of Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies and Climate Change, expressed pride in the program’s alignment with Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and described the laboratory as a critical asset for hands-on learning. “The new postgraduate curriculum and NUCAL laboratory will empower students to gain practical experience in climate MRV, preparing them to meet the highest national and international standards,” he said.
Representing NovaSphere, Scott Muller and Lisa Marroquin voiced their enthusiasm for the program. Scott emphasized that NovaSphere’s collaboration with UL represents a strategic partnership committed to long-term impact in climate action education. For her part, Lisa pledged NovaSphere’s continued support for the program, saying, “We are honored to partner with UL and EPA, strengthening Liberia’s capacity for climate action through sustainable education and research initiatives.”
The ceremony concluded with ribbon cutting, led by Dr. Yarkpawolo, to officially open the National University Climate Action Laboratory (NUCAL), symbolizing a new era for climate action education and collaboration in Liberia.
