Benghazi: A joint delegation from UN agencies, led by Ulrika Richardson, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator in Libya, visited eastern Libya to review initiatives supported by the international organization in the areas of education, skills development, protection, and community services.
According to Libyan News Agency, the delegation visited the UNICEF-supported Bayti Center, implemented with assistance from the European Union, the Netherlands, and the US State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. During their visit, they engaged with children participating in activities to enhance their skills in Arabic, English, mathematics, and digital literacy. The delegation also listened to representatives from the local community about the challenges facing children and families.
The UN delegation further visited a community center supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Libya, managed by a local organization. This center plays a crucial role in providing services and skills-building opportunities for women and girls, showcasing the significant impact of Libyan community organizations in collaboration with local communities, according to the mission.
At Al-Aqsa Secondary School for Girls, supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Union, the delegation observed the positive impact of the rehabilitated library and theater, which offer a safer and more enriching learning environment for over 860 students.
Additionally, the mission met with female police officers who are participating in English language classes supported by IOM and the Czech Republic.
In Benghazi, the UN delegation attended a practical training program on maritime communications, supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and funded by the European Union. Over 40 maritime law enforcement officers and port and sea personnel participated in the two-week program, which aimed to enhance coordination, accountability, and human rights compliance in maritime operations.
The delegation emphasized the importance of collaborating with Libyan partners to support national and local priorities, strengthen institutional capacities, improve service delivery, and build skills, particularly for children, women, and youth. This approach aims to translate community priorities into tangible improvements in people's lives.
During their visit, the UN delegation met with the mayor of Al-Bayda and members of the municipal council. According to the UN mission, their productive discussions focused on the municipality's development priorities, which include strengthening health services, improving water and energy management, expanding opportunities for youth and women, and supporting the sustainable management of natural resources.
The UN delegation and the mayor agreed to enhance cooperation by leveraging UN technical expertise to support these locally identified priorities, thereby contributing to tangible improvements in the daily lives of Al-Bayda residents.
The delegation also visited reconstruction projects in Derna, where they were received by the city's projects supervisor, Saad Al-Zawi. The meeting reviewed the progress of reconstruction projects, discussing mechanisms to enhance cooperation between the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund and UN agencies, ultimately supporting development efforts and the continued implementation of projects in the city.