UDS Hosts Swedish Delegation During Lantmäteriet’s Final Closing Program in Liberia
On May 5–6, 2026, the Swedish government, through Lantmäteriet, officially concluded its operations in Liberia with a final closing seminar for the International Training Program in Applied Land Governance (Liberia/Zimbabwe). Among those in attendance was UDS Co‑Founder Kelvin Fomba, who previously participated in Round 4 of the prestigious program.
The two-day event marked the end of a significant chapter in capacity building, collaboration, and international partnership—while also reaffirming the enduring impact of the program and its alumni. The closing program brought together participants from all training rounds, Swedish officials, and partner institutions to reflect on achievements, celebrate progress, and formally hand over the program's legacy to those continuing the work on the ground.
Round 4 Participates (2025) receiving their final certificates. Kelvin Fomba (UDS Co-Founder & Director) second from right.
Day One – Reflection, Recognition, and a Visit to UDS
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | Cape Hotel, Monrovia
The first day of the closing program was held at the Cape Hotel, where participants gathered for presentations and reflections led by the final cohort (Round 5)—the last group to complete the training program. Alumni from earlier rounds were also recognized, including Round 4 participants, among whom was Kelvin Fombah.
Presentations highlighted:
Key achievements and results from each training round
Lessons learned across years of implementation
Reflections on sustainability, collaboration, and national impact
The atmosphere was both celebratory and reflective, as participants recognized that this milestone represented the formal closure of Swedish government–supported operations in Liberia through Lantmäteriet.
Visit to Uniting Distant Stars (UDS)
Also on Day One, the Swedish delegation visited Uniting Distant Stars (UDS), where they encountered 12th-grade students in the midst of their mock examinations. The delegation expressed admiration for the students' discipline, confidence, and professionalism.
They were particularly impressed by:
The design of the UDS student uniforms
The coincidence that the uniforms reflect the same blue-and-yellow colors as Sweden’s national colors
The visitors commented that UDS is “doing a great job in Liberia” and noted the symbolic resonance between the students’ presentation and Sweden’s national identity—an unexpected moment of connection and encouragement.
The Swedish delegation present during the visit to UDS included:
Lennart Wastesson, Project Manager at the Swedish Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authority’s International Unit
Karin Nelund, Programme Manager, ITPLZ – Applied Land Governance Liberia/Zimbabwe, Lantmäteriet
Benny Anderson, Project Manager, International Unit at the Swedish Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authority
During Kelvin’s 2024 interview for the program, he spoke extensively about UDS, its mission, and its impact. The delegation showed strong interest in UDS’s work, requested the organization’s website, and was invited to return for a more in-depth visit to witness the programs in action.
Swedish Visitors
From left to right: Karin Neland (Lantmäteriet Program Manager), Myrtle S Toe (UDS Business Manager), Lennart Wastesson (Lantmäteriet Project Manager), Kelvin Fomba (UDS Co-Founder & Director), and Benny Anderson (Lantmäteriet Project Manager)
Myrtle and Lennart at left, Karin center back, Benny to the right, and Kelvin upfront right with the entire UDS 12th Grade Class.
Day Two – Final Seminar and Certification
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Corina Hotel, Monrovia
The second day of the program took place at the Corina Hotel, where the final closing seminar was officially conducted. According to the activities listed on the certificate, the seminar covered:
Presentations from all rounds highlighting the most important achievements and results
Sustainability of outcomes beyond program closure
Cooperation and collaboration between institutions
Lessons learned and significant changes achieved
Strengthening of the alumni network
Participants were formally awarded certificates recognizing their completion of the program. Kelvin Fomba and Florence K Parker (Brewerville Mayor) received certification acknowledging participation in the final closing seminar of the International Training Program in Applied Land Governance Liberia/Zimbabwe, organized by Lantmäteriet, Sweden’s mapping, cadastral, and land registration authority.
A Journey That Began in Sweden
This closing seminar also served as a moment of reflection for alumni whose journeys with Lantmäteriet began years earlier. Kelvin Fomba previously completed a three‑week intensive training in Sweden, an experience that laid the groundwork for his continued engagement in land governance, leadership, and institutional development.
That earlier milestone is documented in a related blog post: 👉 Read here
Together, these moments—from Sweden to Liberia, from training to closure—illustrate the long‑term value of international partnerships rooted in shared learning and local leadership.
Looking Ahead: A Lasting Impact Beyond Closure
While Lantmäteriet’s formal operations in Liberia have now ended, the knowledge, relationships, and systems strengthened through the program will continue. The alumni network remains active; institutions like UDS carry forward the values of collaboration and sustainability, and the program's impact endures in classrooms, communities, and professional practice.
The closing program was not an ending, but a transition—one that places responsibility and opportunity firmly in the hands of Liberian leaders and institutions committed to growth, education, and good governance.