On Tuesday, the 5th Arab Ministerial Forum on Housing and Urban Development was inaugurated in Tripoli, Libya. The event was attended by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, the Prime Minister of outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU), and marks a significant moment in the Arab world’s focus on housing and urban development.
The platform “Hakomitna” highlighted that the forum, spanning two days, includes several dialogues and workshops. Additionally, the 40th session of the Council of Arab Housing Ministers is also scheduled, culminating in the issuance of the Tripoli Statement.
The forum sees the participation of Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Malik, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of Economic Affairs at the Arab League, along with the Assistant Secretary-General, the UN Resident Coordinator, and the Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs, Georgette Gagnon. Abu Bakr Al-Ghawi, the Minister of Housing and Construction, along with Arab ministers of housing and construction, various government officials, ambassadors accredited to Libya, and stakeholders interested in sustainable development in housing and urban development, are also in attendance.
Dbaiba emphasised the significance of Arab presence in Tripoli for the forum, reflecting Arab integration at all levels and showcasing Libya’s recovery and capability to host regional and international forums.
The Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League also expressed his pleasure at the convening of the 40th session of the Council of Arab Housing Ministers. This event is a pivotal step in addressing housing and urban development issues in the Arab world, highlighting Libya’s growing role as a host for important regional discussions. The forum’s focus on sustainable development in housing is expected to yield significant insights, and collaborative efforts towards improving urban living conditions across the Arab region.
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, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.