Monrovia – The Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Dr. Josiah Joekai, has challenged young Liberians to develop practical skills, embrace mentorship, and prepare themselves to lead the country’s sustainable development efforts.
Dr. Joekai noted that Liberia’s greatest natural resource is not its minerals or forests, but its people, particularly the younger generation, who he believes must be equipped with the knowledge, skills and leadership capacity needed to address the country’s growing development challenges.
He made the remarks in Monrovia while speaking at the 2026 Liberia Youth Environment Initiative (LYEI) Challenge and National Inter-University Debate Championship, held under the theme: “Empowering Young Liberians to Lead Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Development.”
Dr. Joekai urged students to move beyond the classroom by seeking internships, volunteering, conducting research, developing professional networks, and gaining practical experience in their respective fields.
According to him, education should not be limited to earning academic degrees, but should equip young people with the ability to solve problems, create opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He also called on young Liberians to pursue careers in areas critical to Liberia’s future, including environmental science, engineering, climate studies, public policy, research and entrepreneurship.
He stated that the country needs a new generation of professionals capable of addressing challenges such as climate change, pollution, deforestation and environmental degradation.
Drawing on his experience as Board Chairman of the President’s Young Professionals Program, Dr. Joekai indicated that Liberia has no shortage of talented young people, but needs stronger systems to identify, mentor and connect them with opportunities.
He stressed that talent without proper mentorship and direction can lead to frustration, while encouraging universities to strengthen partnerships that expose students to professional opportunities and national development initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Liberia Youth Environment Initiative says the championship is designed to strengthen environmental awareness, promote youth leadership, and encourage sustainable development across Liberia.
LYEI Founder Elizabeth Kamara noted that the initiative seeks to inspire students to become active environmental advocates and contribute to the protection of the country’s natural resources. Participating institutions included the state-run University of Liberia (UL), African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), Cuttington University (CU), and Notre Dame University-Liberia.
Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Civil Service Agency, Geo Mining Environmental Consultancy, Road Fund, Fauna and Flora, among others, also attended the event.
In the debate competition, Cuttington University emerged as the winner after defeating the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) in the grand final.
Dr. Joekai encouraged the participating universities to pursue excellence while recognizing their shared responsibility to contribute to building a stronger Liberia through innovation, environmental stewardship, leadership and national service.
