On Thursday, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Libya, Marc-Andre Franche held a meeting with the Mayor of Sebha, Belhaj Ali. This was to discuss ways of enhancing partnerships for peacebuilding, supporting new businesses, and economic recovery in Sebha.
In a tweet, Franche described the meeting as “fruitful”, explaining that “prosperity in Sebha will be catalytic for all southern cities in Libya.”
The UN official expressed his thanks to UNDP partners, and representatives in the EU, Italy, Norway, UK, and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).
Last week, a UN delegation in Libya toured the city to follow up on the development and humanitarian situation in southern Libya.
During the tour, the delegation reviewed the infrastructure challenges, and lack of access to basic services faced by residents of southern Libya.
In February, Franche and the 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.
Last month, UNDP signed an agreement with the Spanish Embassy to support the PEPOL project.
This aims to provide technical and advisory support for the Libyan electoral process, which is being supervised by the United Nations Support Mission (UNSMIL).
UNDP has been supporting the North African country 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 in Benghazi have been engaged in activities such as filmmaking, awareness campaigns, and peacebuilding workshops.