The Libyan Environment Minister, Ibrahim Al-Arabi met with the UNICE Libya representative.
The meeting, held in Tripoli, explored avenues for future collaboration on climate and environmental issues, and the launching of a joint plan for the year 2024.
During the meeting, Al-Arabi expressed his gratitude and appreciation to UNICEF for its focus on integrating youth into climate issues and building their negotiating capacities to attend and participate in the Climate Summit (COP28) in Dubai.
As well as the ministry’s anticipation to enhance collaborative efforts with UNICEF, and expand projects that align with the ministry’s vision for the year 2024.
Last month, the Foreign Minister of the Libyan Parliament-designated government, Abdel-Hadi Al-Hwaij criticized France for its slow response to the devastating floods in the city of Derna.
He said that the flooding was a “natural disaster” that was difficult to handle. Al-Hwaij placed responsibility for the disaster on those contributing to global climate change, stating, “We are victims of major industrialized nations.”
Responding to a question by the French newspaper, Le Figaro on whether the Libyan authorities would accept an international investigation into the responsibilities for the flood disaster, Al-Hwaij mentioned that “the Libyan Attorney General is overseeing the investigation.”
He emphasised that adapting to the natural disaster, regardless of the level of preparedness, was challenging.
“If we are to hold anyone accountable, it would be those responsible for global climate change. This is unprecedented in the region’s history, and we are victims of major industrialized nations, including France,” he said.
He called on these industrialized nations to bear “moral responsibility” and adhere to the Paris and Marrakech agreements on climate.
In another context, UNICEF announced that it has provided 200 equipped school bags to 72 schools, benefiting 8,000 children in Libya.
This response was prompted by the devastating storm Daniel, which struck the eastern part of the country.
UNICEF emphasised that “education is a lifeline for children in emergencies,” reaffirming that “access to high-quality education is the key to their bright future.”
