The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its national partners from across the country discussed how to implement its new Country Programme Document (CPD) for Libya for the 2023 to 2025 period, as an event had convened by the Ministry of Planning while over 25 partners and ministries contributed critical inputs to ensure the successful delivery of the programme.

"The Programme is set to be presented and adopted by the Executive Board of UNDP in New York in September." UNPD said in a statement.

UNPD added that the plan, contributing directly to the objectives set in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2023-2025 agreed between the United Nations and the Ministry of Planning focus on advancing development goals in three areas: democratic governance, sustainable growth and local peacebuilding and resilience.

"Despite the ongoing political crisis and security challenge, the programme aims at achieving some measure of progress wherever possible to improve livelihoods, improve the prospects of a lasting peace, specially at the local level, and strengthen institutions, when requested." UNPD said.

UNPD said the new program aims to focus its cooperation in around 30 municipalities around the country, adding that it wants to structure mechanisms to pool resources from international and national sources and accompany public entities to help them executive public policy. 

During the discussion, UNDP Resident Representative, Marc-André Franche, underlined the long-standing presence of UNDP in Libya, its experience in working closely with public and private institutions and its track record in delivering tangible improvements in people’s lives, even in the midst of crisis. 

He also stressed how effective progress on the development front required a political agreement between Libyans as well as a strong legitimate government as a result of elections. 

"UNDP and the international community can accompany and support but the solution and momentum forward are in the hands of Libyan leaders." Franche added.

The Head of international cooperation at the Ministry of Planning, Mohamed Abudena, said the program is developed in line with the national priorities to strengthen Libyan institutions to provide better basic and social services, and support stability, peace and economic growth.

"This document shall also aim to ensure the participation of all groups and components of the Libyan society, to use available resources for development and sustainability". Abudena explained.