EPA Staff Strengthen Climate Negotiation Capacity at Senegal Training
By Emmett S. Yarsiah Jr.
Two staff members of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have completed a regional capacity-building training for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in climate change negotiations, underscoring Liberia’s commitment to stronger representation on the global stage. The participants were Mrs. Danise Love Dennis-Dodoo, Head of Media and Corporate Communications, and Mr. Jeremiah Mulbah, Communications Specialist, with Mrs. Dodoo leading the Liberian delegation throughout the program.
The training, held in La Somone, Senegal, from April 13–15, 2026, brought together more than 60 negotiators from Anglophone and Francophone African countries to sharpen practical negotiating skills under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process.
Mrs. Dodoo led Liberia’s delegation, guiding the team’s engagement across thematic areas, while Mr. Mulbah contributed his expertise in communications strategy and policy framing.
During practical sessions on how negotiators take the floor, Mrs. Dodoo served as Chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), guiding the group’s floor presence and strategy. Mr. Mulbah also took on a key role by acting as Chair of the European Union (EU), representing one of the core blocs under UNFCCC negotiations.
The two Liberian staff focused on critical negotiation themes: Mrs. Dodoo concentrated on Transparency, while Mr. Mulbah addressed Loss and Damage—areas central to Liberia’s climate resilience and adaptation needs. This focus highlighted Liberia’s priorities and demonstrated the country’s readiness to engage meaningfully in international dialogue.
As the program progressed, the Liberian team demonstrated strong technical insight and a clear commitment to translating global negotiations into practical outcomes for local communities.
The organizers—ENDA Énergie and the International Institute for Environment and Development—worked in collaboration with Legal Response International and in partnership with the Least Developed Countries Group. The training combined expert guidance with practical exercises aimed at helping participants clearly articulate LDCs’ climate priorities, advocate for needed support, and strengthen collaboration in future negotiations.
The significance of this participation extends beyond individual skill development.
Liberia, despite having a relatively small greenhouse gas footprint, continues to face severe climate impacts, including flooding, heavy rainfall, and coastal erosion. The knowledge gained from this training positions Liberia to push for stronger international support for resilience, adaptation, and climate financing to benefit vulnerable communities.
In a strong indication of Liberia’s growing readiness, both participants successfully completed a post-training assessment and were awarded certificates of completion, recognizing their mastery of the program’s core competencies.
At the close of the training, Mrs. Dodoo expressed appreciation to the EPA for its support and noted that the experience has strengthened Liberia’s voice on the global stage. She emphasized that such capacity-building efforts enable the country to engage more effectively in international climate discussions.
“We may not be a large emitter, but Liberia is among those feeling the severe effects of climate change,” she said.
“Trainings like this prepare Liberia’s next generation of negotiators to take on national responsibilities and secure the support our communities need.”
Liberia also extended appreciation to the organizers for delivering an impactful program and for equipping its representatives to participate with confidence and clarity. The knowledge and networks gained through ENDA Énergie, IIED, Legal Response International, and the LDC Group will be shared within the EPA to strengthen Liberia’s ongoing climate diplomacy and advocacy efforts.
