On Monday, Tripoli welcomed delegates from across the Arab world for the 40th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Housing and Reconstruction, and the 5th Arab Ministerial Forum on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development.
Libya’s Minister of Housing and Reconstruction, Abu Bakr Al-Ghawi greeted representatives from the Arab League, including the Comoros, Tunisia, Jordan, Yemen, and Syria. The forum, scheduled from 19-21 December, is set to delve into vital themes surrounding sustainable urban development and reconstruction.
Under the overarching theme ‘Localization of Sustainable Development Goals for Reconstruction and Disaster Response,’ the forum will address several critical issues. These include national housing initiatives, urban city development for enhanced stability, and the integration of sustainable development goals in the context of disasters and climate change.
Participants will focus on creating strategies for achieving sustainable cities with clean environments, aligning with global sustainable development goals. This meeting is a crucial platform for Arab nations to collaborate on these pressing urban development challenges.
The gathering in Tripoli marks a significant step towards unified Arab efforts in addressing housing, reconstruction, and sustainable urban development, particularly in the face of global environmental challenges.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws, and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.