The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has expressed interest in opening a dedicated office in Libya, aiming to enhance direct communication and facilitate ongoing and future projects.
Eric Falt, UNESCO’s Regional Director for North Africa, conveyed this intention during a meeting on Monday with Libya’s Minister of Higher Education, Imran Al-Qeeb, at the ministry’s headquarters in Tripoli. According to a statement from the Ministry of Higher Education under the Government of National Unity, the discussion focused on overcoming obstacles hindering various education and research initiatives.
The Libyan minister highlighted several stalled projects related to higher education and scientific research, stressing the need for UNESCO’s support in revitalising them. Key topics included digital transformation in education, procurement of laboratory equipment for universities, and strengthening research centres affiliated with the Libyan Authority for Scientific Research. Future collaborative projects were also on the agenda.
International organisations have been gradually resuming their operations in Tripoli. Recently, the World Bank announced the reopening of its office in the Libyan capital after a closure that lasted since 2019.
The meeting was attended by senior ministry officials, the president of the Open University of Libya, the university’s secretary-general, and representatives from various education and research institutions. Also present were officials from Libya’s National Competitiveness Programme, the Ministry’s Information and Documentation Centre, the Libyan Authority for Scientific Research, and Libya Holding Telecommunications Company.
The potential establishment of a UNESCO office in Libya marks a significant step towards strengthening cooperation in the education sector and ensuring the successful implementation of key development initiatives.
