MONROVIA – The Liberia Youth Environment Initiative (LYEI) concluded its 2026 National Inter-University Championship and Environmental Leadership Forum in Monrovia under the theme, “Empowering Young Liberians to Lead Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Development.”
Participating universities included the University of Liberia, African Methodist Episcopal University, Cuttington University, and Notre Dame University-Liberia.
The institutions engaged in discussions on environmental issues while showcasing their knowledge through debates and presentations aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainable development.
Providing an overview of the initiative, LYEI Founder Elizabeth Kamara said the program is intended to strengthen environmental awareness, promote leadership among young people, and encourage sustainable development across Liberia.
“This initiative seeks to empower young Liberians to become environmental leaders who will champion sustainable development and protect the country’s natural resources. We believe universities are ideal platforms for nurturing the next generation of environmental advocates,” Madam Kamara said.
She added that the championship is expected to inspire students to become active environmental advocates and contribute meaningfully to protecting Liberia’s environment through research, innovation, and community engagement.
Speaking at the forum, Civil Service Agency Director General Josiah F. Joekai challenged young Liberians to prepare themselves for the future by developing practical skills, embracing mentorship, and pursuing careers that respond to Liberia’s growing development needs.
“Liberia’s future will not be determined only by its natural resources but by the knowledge, skills, and leadership of its young people,” Dr. Joekai said.
He urged students to move beyond the classroom by seeking internships, volunteering, conducting research, and building professional relationships, noting that education should prepare students to solve problems and create opportunities rather than simply earn academic degrees.
Dr. Joekai further emphasized that Liberia’s greatest natural resource is not its minerals or forests but its people, especially the younger generation. He called on young Liberians to become environmental leaders capable of addressing climate change, pollution, deforestation, and other national development challenges.
“The country needs a new generation of environmental scientists, engineers, climate experts, policy specialists, researchers, and entrepreneurs to drive Liberia’s sustainable development agenda,” he said.
Drawing on his experience as Board Chairman of the President’s Young Professionals Program, Dr. Joekai observed that Liberia has no shortage of talented young people but lacks sufficient systems to identify, mentor, and connect them with opportunities.
“Talent without mentorship and direction often leads to frustration,” he added, encouraging the participating universities to compete with excellence while remaining united in the broader task of building a stronger Liberia through innovation, leadership, and national service.
Meanwhile, institutions attending the event included the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Geo Mining Environmental Consultancy, Fauna & Flora, and several other government and private sector organizations, all of which reaffirmed their commitment to supporting youth-led environmental initiatives.
The institutions commended LYEI for creating a platform that brings together students, policymakers, environmental professionals, and development partners to discuss practical solutions to Liberia’s environmental challenges.
They further emphasized that strengthening collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector remains critical to addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, pollution, and sustainable natural resource management.
At the same time, participants described the championship as a valuable learning opportunity that broadened their understanding of environmental issues while strengthening their confidence in public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership.
They said the initiative had motivated them to become ambassadors for environmental protection on their campuses and in their communities and expressed appreciation to LYEI and its partners for investing in youth development and environmental education.
The Liberia Youth Environment Initiative (LYEI) is a youth-led organization dedicated to empowering and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders in Liberia.
Through education, leadership development, mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement, LYEI seeks to increase environmental awareness and equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to address the country’s environmental and sustainability challenges.
The Liberia Youth Environment Challenge (LYEC) is one of LYEI’s flagship pilot programs. It uses friendly competition and
mentorship to engage university students in meaningful discussions on environmental conservation, climate change, sustainable development, fisheries, biodiversity, and the blue economy.
The broader vision of the organization is to create a nationwide movement of informed, innovative, and environmentally conscious young leaders who will help shape a more sustainable future for Liberia.