Published: March 18, 2026
Monrovia – Sixteen Liberians have graduated from the first cohort of the Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate Program in Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) for Climate Action at the University of Liberia, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s capacity to address climate change.
The program, implemented through a partnership between the University of Liberia and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, is supported by the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The initiative also led to the establishment of the National Climate Action Laboratory and the development of a specialized curriculum to train climate professionals.
Boosting Liberia’s Climate Capacity
The MRV program is designed to enhance Liberia’s technical capacity in climate governance, particularly in tracking national climate commitments and environmental management.
The graduation ceremony, held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the National Climate Action Laboratory, brought together government officials, faculty members, development partners and families of the graduates.
EPA Executive Director Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo described the graduation as a major milestone in Liberia’s climate response.
He noted that climate change continues to impact agriculture, coastal communities, infrastructure, forests and public health, requiring skilled professionals to generate data and guide national decision-making.
“The Government of Liberia congratulates you on this achievement and looks forward to the contributions you will make in service to the nation,” he said.
Government, Partners Commended
Dr. Yarkpawolo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a skilled workforce to support climate governance and environmental management.
He praised the collaboration between the EPA and the University of Liberia, as well as the Government of Canada for supporting the laboratory and curriculum development.
He also disclosed upcoming climate initiatives, including the installation of solar systems at the EPA, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and the Climate Action Laboratory, along with the planned launch of an organic waste composting facility in Fiamah on March 18.
Historic Milestone for University of Liberia
Representing the university, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes Reeves Taylor described the graduation as a historic achievement.
She noted that the MRV program is the first of its kind in Liberia and positions graduates as pioneers in the country’s climate action efforts.
“You can have all the knowledge in the world, but it only becomes meaningful when you use it to improve your country and the lives of people,” she said.
Dr. Taylor emphasized that the graduates now carry the responsibility of setting a standard for future cohorts and contributing meaningfully to national development.
Focus on Practical Skills and Impact
She explained that the program is competence-based, focusing not only on theoretical knowledge but also on practical skills needed to solve real-world problems.
Dr. Taylor urged graduates to apply the “precautionary principle” in their work, emphasizing the need for caution in situations where environmental risks are uncertain.
She also encouraged them to maintain strong professional networks and support one another as they begin their careers.
“It is never easy to be the first,” she said.
Curriculum Built on Global Standards
Providing an overview of the program, Charles Asumana Sr., dean of the College of Science and Technology and the School of Environmental Studies and Climate Change, said the curriculum was developed following a national capacity needs assessment and benchmarking against international best practices.
He explained that the program focuses on three core areas: scientific and systems thinking, policy and ethics, and practical climate action.
Courses include Climate Processes and Dynamics, Environmental Data Analysis, Climate Policy Development, Sustainable Development Practices, and Project Management for Climate Action.
The diploma program requires seven courses and a capstone project over 10 months, while the certificate program involves three courses completed within three months.
First Cohort Sets the Pace
Dr. Asumana disclosed that 16 students completed the inaugural program, including 15 diploma graduates and one certificate recipient. The cohort comprised 12 men and four women.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Emmanuel Temitope Olatunji, director of the Graduate Program in Environmental Studies and Climate Change and pilot co-lead of the MRV program, formally presented the graduates.
He said the students successfully completed months of intensive academic and practical training and are now equipped to support Liberia’s climate governance, environmental management and reporting systems.
Driving Climate Action Forward
The MRV for Climate Action program is expected to play a key role in strengthening Liberia’s climate reporting systems, supporting national commitments and building local expertise to address environmental challenges.
Officials say the graduates are poised to contribute to sustainable development and climate resilience efforts across the country.
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