A new global platform for competitive urban planning has been launched in Benghazi, Libya, positioning the city as a model for sustainable, smart, and inclusive urban growth. According to a report by Forbes, the initiative is spearheaded by the Libya Development and Reconstruction Fund (LDRF) and aims to attract international expertise and innovation in reshaping Benghazi’s future.
The platform is open to companies, universities, startups, consulting firms, and institutions specialising in urban planning, infrastructure, energy, logistics, culture, and services. Its mission is to gather innovative projects and ideas that align with Libya’s economic priorities while preserving the city’s cultural and social identity.
The fund stated that more than 500 exhibition pavilions will display concepts for urban and architectural development. Selected projects will be evaluated based on transparency, sustainability, and innovation.
LDRF Director General Belgassem Haftar said during the launch that the initiative marks a turning point in Libya’s development approach. “This is not merely about launching a competition, but about establishing a genuine global partnership that unites ambitious visions and international expertise to shape a future worthy of Benghazi’s history and strategic role in the Mediterranean Basin,” he said.
Haftar emphasised that development extends beyond infrastructure. “It is about hope, empowerment, and building a smart, sustainable, and economically prosperous city,” he added.
The initiative seeks to deliver a comprehensive urban vision for Benghazi, including a master plan, modern public spaces, an integrated transport system, and sustainable infrastructure. It also aims to attract investment, create jobs, and raise living standards.
In its next phase, the fund will host an international exhibition at its headquarters to showcase selected projects, which could form the foundation of Benghazi’s long-term strategic vision for urban transformation.
