The United Nations Development Program in Libya (UNDP) announced the launch of a new program under the name “Local Peacebuilding and Resilience.” This is to support the residents of the south, in cooperation with the Ministries of Planning and Local Government.
UNDP Resident Representative, Marc-Andre Franche said that “creating peace in Libya starts with building it from the ground up, particularly in the south. Our program focuses on improving livelihoods, and creating jobs and businesses, for the next three years, in nine municipalities with the most significant impact locally,” he said during his speech at the opening.
He added that the “Human Development Report highlighted the devastating impact of the past decade on investment and progress in Libya, which is equivalent to losing 20 years.”
UNDP aims to establish sustainable peace and strengthen the local economy in the south, by supporting the government in providing basic services and creating job opportunities for youth and women.
On 11 April, Franche said that UNDP is “doubling its efforts to support the people and institutions in the Libyan south, by improving governance, reconciliation, services and providing better job opportunities.”
In March, he held a meeting with the Mayor of Sebha, Belhaj Ali to discuss enhancing partnerships for peacebuilding, supporting new businesses, and the 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).
Meanwhile, 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.