Tripoli – In a renewed demonstration of strong partnership and commitment to youth employment and sustainable development, the Libyan Korean Centre (LKC), in collaboration with the Republic of Korea and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), proudly announces the launch of its new Green Economy Department. 

The launch coincides with International Youth Skills Day, a global day that highlights the vital role of skills development in preparing young people for the future of work. The event spotlighted the Centre’s growing role as a hub for youth skilling and green job creation in Libya. 

Since its establishment in 2008 through a joint initiative between the Republic of Korea and UNDP Libya, the LKC has become a key institution for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Libya. Operating under the Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation, the Centre aligns its training programmes with Libya’s national TVET strategy. 

Building on its long-standing partnership with the Centre since its establishment, UNDP expanded its technical support in 2020 through a comprehensive institutional assessment, followed by the provision of equipment and training materials across 14 specialised departments. To further promote entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods, UNDP also facilitated access to micro-grants for LKC graduates, contributing to the launch of 27 micro and small businesses.  

With the new Green Economy Department, the Centre is now fully equipped to prepare youth for careers in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and other sectors, driving the global shift toward a low-carbon economy. This marks a new phase in the partnership, focusing on practical skills for emerging markets and post-crisis recovery. 

A joint visit from the UN, UNDP and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea highlighted the Centre’s role in building resilience through education and employment. During the visit, partners explored ways to expand LKC’s model to reach more communities, particularly in areas affected by conflict. 

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Libya, H.E Jehak Jang, noted “As we look to the future, we see great potential in expanding the LKC model to reach even more Libyan youth, especially in areas affected by conflict” and added “By aligning training programs with ongoing reconstruction projects, we can ensure that LKC graduates play a direct role in rebuilding Libya’s infrastructure. On-the-job training, including partnerships with Korean companies operating in Libya, will be explored as part of this initiative.”  

UNDP Libya Resident Representative, Dr. Sophie Kemkhadze, said, “Today’s launch, on International Youth Skills Day, reflects our shared commitment to turning skills into real opportunities for Libya’s young men and women. Together with our partners, we are not only delivering training, we are helping young people access decent work, launch green businesses, and actively contribute to the country’s recovery.” 

“Skills are more than a pathway to employment, they are the foundation of dignity, inclusion, and recovery,” said Mr. Aeneas Chuma, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya. “This Centre reflects what can be achieved when national leadership and international cooperation come together to invest in young people. As the United Nations in Libya, we remain committed to ensuring that every young person, regardless of location or background, has access to the opportunities they need to shape their future and contribute to Libya’s development.”