The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Libya, Marc-André Franche stated that program plans to expand its activities in Libya. As well as open branches to address several economic, social, and environmental issues.
UNDP said in a statement on Tuesday that the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and foreign companies are the ideal partners to achieve these goals.
This came during a meeting with NOC Chairman, Mustafa Sanalla, in the presence of NOC’s Director of Sustainable Development Department, Mukhtar Abdel-Daim, to discuss opportunities for cooperation.
Sanalla affirmed that they, along with their partners (Repsol, Total, OMV, and Equinor), had a distinguished partnership and great cooperation with the UNDP over the years.
He added that many programs were implemented in the Akakus areas of operations, including water, health, training, maintenance of educational facilities, youth support, and other programs.
In February, UNDP Libya announced that it would continue to support the country’s public institutions, local governments, civil society, and communities to achieve stabilization, resilience, and recovery. As well as contribute to shaping the conditions for peace and social cohesion in the country, with support from various international partners.
It added that it had partnered with the European Union through its Strengthening Local Capacities for Resilience and Recovery Programme. This helped public institutions, local governments, civil society, and communities build peace and promote local economic recovery in 52 municipalities throughout the country, since 2017.
The project has also supported municipalities and the Ministry of Local Government to renovate cultural, recreational, and sports infrastructure as a way to promote social inclusion and urban regeneration. Access to public spaces is crucial for developing and maintaining a sense of belonging, especially in cities that have suffered significantly from the conflict in recent years, like Sabratha, Benghazi, and Sebha.
UNDP stated that they will continue to work hand in hand with Libyan authorities, and national, and international partners to promote peaceful and inclusive societies in Libya, as well as to promote economic recovery.
The €50 million “Recovery, Stability and Socio-economic Development Programme” currently works with 24 municipalities across Libya to improve people’s access to quality public services such as education, health, water, and sanitation.
The programme in Libya is funded by the European Union through the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. This is to improve living conditions and build resilience among vulnerable populations, including migrants, refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), returnees, and host communities.