Youth, both male and female, are Libya’s best hope for stability, said the Acting Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Raisedon Zenenga, on Friday

In a statement to commemorate International Youth Day, the UN official urged political leaders to put in place practical mechanisms to involve young people in the decision-making process and to respond to their call for elections, stability, and all forms of economic and social growth that comes along with it.

The UN mission pledged to continue work with all segments of Libyan society, including the youth, and reiterated the UN Security Council resolution 2250 (2015) on Youth, Peace, and Security, in recognizing the importance of empowering young people in the political process.

"It is critical that youth are heard and are given opportunities to meaningfully contribute to the decision-making process," the UNSMIL stated.

Zenenga underscored that the mission’s top priority now is to provide assistance and expertise to Libyan parties to address the political stalemate and move forward to credible and inclusive national elections as soon as possible, based on a solid constitutional framework.”

“It is time for all – including youth – to put differences aside and come together for a brighter and prosperous future for Libya," he concluded.