Tripoli, 22 June 2023 – Local authorities and mayors of 21 southern Libyan municipalities gathered on the occasion of the 6th Steering Committee meeting of the “Recovery, Stability and Socio-Economic Development in Libya – Baladiyati” programme, co-chaired by the Ministry of Local Governance and the European Union. The event marked the launch of substantial interventions to improve stability and socio-economic growth in Libya’s southern municipalities.
Since its inception in October 2018, Baladiyati has successfully implemented over 300 priority interventions on the ground, resulting in substantial benefits for more than 3 million people across Libya. With the expansion of the programme to the southern municipalities, the programme implementors, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) aspire to enhance their outreach.

Baladiyati will work with the municipalities to rehabilitate school and community facilities, improve water and waste management systems, develop sustainable energy supply systems, promote private sector development and build skills to improve peoples’ employability on the job market.

In his remarks, H.E. Badr Eldin Sadig Altoumi, the Minister of Local Government highlighted the efforts of the Government of National Unity in achieving decentralization, unifying institutions, and enhancing the unity of Libyan territory through Baladiyati, which was implemented in cooperation with international partners in southern Libya. His Excellency highlighted some of the achievements that were accomplished in the first phase, such as supporting local administration, primary healthcare, Entrepreneurship Offices, and startup projects, in addition to establishing sewage and water desalination stations in several cities. He also emphasized the importance of creating an effective entrepreneurial ecosystem in the South municipalities to support startups and create job opportunities in the local market.

“Libyan municipalities are in charge of providing the basic services that people need most: health care, education, livelihood opportunities, water and electricity supply, waste management. We acknowledge the challenges that many Libyan municipalities, in particular in the South of the country, face in offering these services. The EU is strongly committed to offer concrete assistance to the municipalities to improve access to basic services and create livelihood opportunities for all their residents”, said Marton Benedek, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Libya.

Michele Rossi, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy in Tripoli, reiterated Italy’s commitment to support the decentralization process in Libya: “Our longstanding commitment to supporting Libya’s growth and stability is firmly grounded in the belief that strong local governance structures are essential for sustainable development. These vital institutions serve as the backbone of their communities, delivering vital services and acting as interface between the government and the people. By investing in their capabilities, we can foster long-term progress”.

“Our primary objectives of supporting local governance, enhancing the delivery of basic services and fostering job opportunities for the population in Libya remain at the forefront of our mission. Through Baladiyati, communities have united, mobilized their resources, and actively participated in the execution of shared projects. It is their determination and resilience that propel us forward. Each intervention implemented together means a step towards building a stronger society”, stated Mr. Andrea Senatori, the Head of AICS Regional Office

“UNDP is proud to be part of the ongoing efforts through the joint EU Baladiyati project to strengthen local institutions, improve access to basic services, and promote peacebuilding. As part of our broader Local Peacebuilding and Resilience efforts in the south, we are dedicated to continuing to build on the notable achievements to further support the Government’s endeavours in the South of Libya – a region that has been particularly affected by multiple socio-economic challenges”, affirmed UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Marc-André Franche.

“UNICEF Libya is proud to be part of this joint programme. We strongly believe that our role is not only to enhance the provision of services at local level, but also to make children and young people active agents of change in their communities. Our focus remains on the south and on the most in need”, expressed UNICEF Representative to Libya, Mr. Michele Servadei.

The mayors from the 21 targeted municipalities, along with the Libyan representatives, EU, Italy, UNDP, and UNICEF, shared visions to enhance the accessibility and quality of essential services, aimed to improve the overall well-being and quality of life for the people in Libya.

Background:
The €76.2 million programme, funded by the European Union through the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, seeks to improve stability and living conditions for vulnerable communities in Libya. It aims to foster a more inclusive socio-economic environment by supporting local authorities in providing better basic services – including education, healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), sustainable energy solutions, as well as strengthening livelihood opportunities. Additionally, the programme strives to foster social cohesion, promote local peacebuilding, and build resilience.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Barbara Taccone, Communications Officer, AICS: barbara.taccone@aics.gov.it;
Clara Prip, UNDP, Communications Analyst: clara.prip@undp.org;
Aml Barghuti, Communications Officer, UNICEF: aalbarghouti@unicef.org