On Saturday, the Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU), the United Nations, and international allies “underscored the crucial role of sustainable development as a key avenue leading to future elections.”
This declaration came during a high-level meeting, marking six months since the inception of the UN Framework for Sustainable Development Cooperation for the period of 2023-2025 in Libya.
The talks, hosted in Tripoli, focused on sharing recent progress updates on the cooperation framework. Moreover, it spotlighted the necessity for heightened financial commitment, primarily from the GNU, to foster sustainable development pursuits in Libya.
The UN Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily expressed gratitude towards the Libyan government and international partners for their support of the cooperation framework. He reiterated that Libya is currently at a pivotal turning point in the process of preparing for the elections.
According to Bathily, the cooperation framework “seeks to achieve enduring peace and development for everyone in Libya. The fulfilment of sustainable development necessitates political stability, achievable only through the organization of inclusive elections.”
The UN Envoy further noted that the nation “has the potential to lay a robust foundation for good governance. This can be done by ensuring widespread participation, continual enhancement of public service quality, and boosting respect for human rights, all of which benefit the people of Libya.”
Similarly, Georgette Gagnon, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Humanitarian Coordinator, and Resident Coordinator, asserted that the cooperation framework “serves as an instrument to facilitate inclusive and diversified economic growth. This growth subsequently fortifies human rights, and the well-being of all Libyans.”
Gagnon urged for additional support for projects operating under the areas of climate change, environmental sustainability, and water resources, considering the “future risks to Libya’s prosperity if these sectors remain unaddressed.” She stated that extra funding of $108 million dollars is needed to execute the UN Framework for Sustainable Development Cooperation, throughout 2023.
Gagnon appreciated the GNU’s strategy in bolstering the cooperation framework, via joint financing agreements. She also called on Libyan authorities to “allocate more financial resources for joint strategic programming priorities within the cooperation framework.” This call comes considering Libya’s classification as a medium-to-high-income country.
The statement clarified that the cooperation framework is the outcome of extensive consultations with Libyans across the nation, and with international partners. The framework aims to lay down priorities and rectify gaps in Libya’s national endeavours, to accomplish Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.
After the first six months of the cooperation framework’s implementation, $143 million of the demanded $252 million has been secured. The majority of these funds are earmarked for projects carried out under the pillars of sustainable economic development, peace, and good governance.
