Tripoli, 20 May 2024 - On Monday, the United Nations Development Programme and the National Economic Social Development Board launched the UNDP's Global Human Development Report (HDR) 2023/2024 in Tripoli. The event brought together policymakers, experts, academia, and international development partners to discuss Libya's human development challenges and potential solutions within the broader framework of sustainable development.

The launch event provided the stakeholders with an opportunity to foster discussions on Libya's development challenges and how harnessing innovative solutions and collaborative efforts can drive sustainable progress and human development in the country. The report highlights health, education, and income setbacks due to the current state of stagnation the country is experiencing.

The report recommends actions to address these challenges, including investing in renewable energy to bolster economic resilience and reduce environmental impacts, strengthening health systems and insurance mechanisms to better prepare for and mitigate the effects of future global crises, encouraging technological, economic, and cultural innovation to enhance the population's ability to adapt to new challenges, and ensure effective governance and the implementation of sustainable development initiatives.

During the event, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Futaisi, General Manager of NESDB, emphasized the significance of the Human Development Report indicators and outputs. Stressing the need for in-depth analysis of these indicators and the importance of leveraging available opportunities."

Dr. Christopher Laker, UNDP's Resident Representative a.i. highlighted, "Libya's potential for recovery and human development remains strong. However, urgent investments in basic services, social protection programmes, and effective governance are crucial for sustainable progress."

Ms. Tehmina Akhtar, Senior Strategic Adviser from UNDP's Regional Bureau for Arab States, made a presentation comparing Libya's human development indicators with the global and regional averages. She presented the Human Development Index (HDI), a summary measure for assessing a country's long-term progress in three core areas of human development: a long and healthy life, access to knowledge, and a decent standard of living. Libya is placed in the "high human development" category, ranking 92 among 193 countries. Between 1990 and 2022, Libya's life expectancy at birth increased by 2.7 years, expected years of schooling increased by 4.0 years, and expected years of education decreased by 2.7 years. Libya's Gross National Income per capita reduced by 26.7 percent. However, the report notes a decrease in the index value and the country's social and economic performance in recent years.

The panellists included:  

Dr. Saber Al-Wahsh, faculty member and head of the Economics Department at the Faculty of Economics at the University of Tripoli.

Dr. Suaad El-Abani, the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Literature and a faculty member in the Department of Sociology at the University of Tripoli.

Dr. Mahmoud Omar Issa, faculty member in the Department of Sociology at the School of Humanities, Libyan Academy for Postgraduate Studies.

The launch of the 2023/24 Human Development Report in Tripoli is not just a report but a call to action. It underscores the urgent need for Libya to harness its potential and navigate through uncertainties. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and governance reforms, Libya can make significant strides in human development, ensuring a brighter future for all Libyans.

For more detailed insights and data, view the full report at HDR 2023/2024 Report.