By: Staff Writer
GBARINGA, Bong County- In a compelling keynote address on Thursday, January 23, 2024, Lawrence N. Yallah, an influential environmental advocate and thought leader, enthralled an audience of educators, students, and environmental enthusiasts at the Voice of Environment Senior High Schools’ Debate. The debate, which is currently ongoing, is being held under the theme: Enhancing Youth Capacity to Promote Conservation and Sustainability.
Yallah, who has long been at the forefront of environmental advocacy in Liberia, emphasized the critical role of environmental education in shaping a sustainable future. He highlighted the pressing environmental challenges that the world faces today while stressing the importance of empowering young people to take a more active role in the preservation of natural resources.
“Today, we are witnessing the irreversible effects of climate change, deforestation, and the depletion of natural habitats, and yet, we have the opportunity to mold the future through the education and empowerment of our youth,” Yallah said in his keynote. “Environmental education is not just a tool; it is a vital lifeline for the sustainability of our planet. The debate, which continues through the week, brings together some of the brightest minds from across Gbarnga and its environs, senior high schools, providing a platform for students to engage with critical issues related to conservation and sustainability. The event serves not only as a forum for intellectual exchange but also as a call to action for students to channel their passion into real-world solutions.
Yallah’s address focused on key strategies for enhancing environmental education and strengthening the capacity of young people to be active environmental stewards. Among his proposed strategies, he underscored the integration of environmental topics into school curricula, encouraging governments to prioritize green education. He also called for greater collaboration between schools, local communities, and environmental organizations to provide practical experiences that would complement classroom learning.
“Environmental challenges are complex, and no single entity can solve them alone. It is through collaboration and collective action that we can truly make an impact,” Yallah continued. “As young leaders, you have the power to drive change in your communities and beyond. This is your time to step up and lead the way.”
As part of his speech, Yallah also touched on the role of youth in influencing policy changes. He stressed that the collective voice of young people, when properly organized, could be a powerful force in pushing for stronger environmental regulations and more sustainable practices across industries.
The debate participants, a mix of passionate students, engaged in lively discussions following the keynote address. Students presented arguments on various topics such as the impact of the government’s heavily investing in renewable energy, the effective usage of social media for raising environmental awareness among several other topics.
Organizers of the event expressed gratitude to Yallah for his insightful contributions to the debate.
As the debate progresses, participants are expected to continue exploring ways to amplify youth voices in the conversation about conservation and sustainability. With environmental challenges at an all-time high, the importance of such dialogues has never been more evident.
The Voice of Environment Senior High Schools’ Debate will culminate in a final round where winning teams will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the conversation on sustainability and conservation.