UNU-LRT fellow gives a presentation at a seminar at the University of Iceland

16 May 2014
Ms Yaro in the podium at the seminar
Ms Yaro in the podium at the seminar

The UN Association in Iceland hosted a seminar in cooperation with the UNU programmes in Iceland, Institute of International Affairs, and Ministry for Foreign Affairs at the University of Iceland this week. The theme of the seminar was on performance management in the development sector, focusing on the UNU programmes in Iceland. Fellows from all four UNU Iceland based programmes gave a talk about their experiences and expectations of the training. Presenting on behalf of the UNU-LRT programme was Ms Irene Jemilatu Yenuyet Yaro from Ghana. She described the challenges she faces as a Programme Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Eastern Region in Ghana with the mining sector.

Ms Yaro explained how the mining sector has brought economic development for the people and for the country as a whole, but at the same time brought huge environmental problems, hence bringing social problems to the local people who loose land for crop production and the like. Ms Yaro´s conclusion was that the training at UNU-LRT can be an important component in combating the negative effects of mining in Ghana. UNU-LRT is an institutional capacity building programme that not only focuses on training in land restoration and sustainable land management but also in communication skills, leadership, and conflict and change management. When dealing with the miners and mining companies this is very helpful for professionals like Ms Yaro.

You can find more information about the seminar here.