The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced that its Resident Representative, Marc-André Franche and Mayor of Benghazi, Saqer Bojwuari inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Civil Society Centre in Benghazi.
In a statement, UNDP added that the Centre will “provide a space for Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) to gather and conduct activities, promote local peacebuilding initiatives, and empower women, youth, and vulnerable populations.”
The Municipality and local CSO’s selected the historical Almanar Palace, previously used as a vocational school, to be rehabilitated into the new Centre.
The monumental building, which was damaged in September 2016 during the conflict, is considered a landmark and symbol of all Libyans, located in old Benghazi.
According to the statement, the rehabilitation of the new Centre is “part of UNDP’s local peacebuilding and resilience efforts, through the EU-funded Baladiyati programme.” The Civil Society Commission will manage and maintain it, providing a space for CSO’s to gather and implement their peacebuilding activities, accommodating up to 1,500 people.
Bojwuari noted that “this building is of utmost importance, as it is one of the oldest buildings with a certain symbolism in the history of Libya, and the city of Benghazi. From here, King Idris Al-Senussi addressed the Libyans during his reign. We are proud to have played a part in its rehabilitation, thus allowing civil society organizations to conduct activities that will contribute to the city’s advancement.”
Franche further stated: “Today marks a key step towards the recovery of the old Benghazi. I am thankful to the Municipality of Benghazi, the Mayor, the Heritage Cities Authorities, the citizens of Benghazi, the European Union, and all those who have been involved in making the Civil Society Centre a reality.”
“CSO’s are powerful platforms promoting local peace initiatives and empowering women, youth, and vulnerable populations. We are convinced that this new space for civil society organizations will serve as a space to foster even more ideas and initiatives that will not only benefit the community of Benghazi and inspire other cities,” he added.
UNDP has been supporting the Municipality of Benghazi since 2017, to deliver critical services to all citizens, including health, education, water and sanitation, and recreational spaces to enhance trust between citizens and local government. UNDP has also been empowering CSO’s through a capacity-building program. As a result, nearly 800 residents have engaged in activities such as filmmaking, awareness campaigns, and peacebuilding workshops.