Tripoli - Today, the Korean Ambassador to Libya, H.E. Lee Sang-Soo, agreed with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Libya, Mr. Marc-André Franche to increase its contribution in support of local peacebuilding in the west of the country. The new $400,000 contribution raises the support from the Republic of Korea to UNDP to $ 6,599,000.

Through the generous funding from the Republic of Korea, UNDP is strengthening the Libyan Korean Centre in Tripoli under the Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation, to become a unique advanced vocational training centre for professions supporting reconstruction and economic resilience.

With this new contribution, UNDP aims to transform the LKC into a technical innovation hub focusing on green job opportunities.

During the signing ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative, Marc-André Franche said:

"We are delighted to continue this partnership with the Republic of Korea in Libya to help create green job opportunities in the west that will definitely contribute to peaceful coexistence in the region. With this new support, we will be able to enhance the center’s capacity to help people develop innovative ideas towards sustainable development." Korean Ambassador to Libya, H.E. Lee Sang-Soo, reaffirmed the commitment of the Republic of Korea in its continuous support to Libya: 

“Korea is always standing by the Libyan people in their efforts for peace, stability and prosperity. We are pleased to continue the support and hope it will contribute to the recovery, rehabilitation and capacity building of Libya.”

With the support from the Republic of Korea, UNDP and LKC have jointly prepared an intensive work plan for the development of the centre. This was presented during the signing ceremony by the General Manager of LKC, Ezat Alyaqoubi, who expressed:

“In accordance with the strategic goals of our development plan, we have started to transform the Libyan Korean Center from a merely technical and vocational education and training center into a pivotal center for technical training and innovation in Libya. For this, we are grateful for the continuous support from the Republic of Korea and UNDP.”

UNDP has also provided the center with equipment and materials to set up 14 training departments and is working to put in place a Career and Business Center within the Libyan Korean Centre. Selected graduates will receive grants to make their business ideas a reality.

Furthermore, with funding from the Republic of Korea, UNDP has accompanied the Municipality of Janzour with six customized city buses for the public transportation fleet dedicated to the postgraduate students as a pilot project to commute approximately 720 students daily to/from universities. This pilot project is expected to cultivate the culture of public transport as a sustainable solution for city transportation problems and better living quality by reducing carbon emissions.

Background:

UNDP Libya continues to support Libya's transition towards peace, economic recovery and sustainable development. To respond to the many challenges people in Libya are facing, UNDP approach is to help the country get on a more robust development path by helping the local authorities to restore essential services delivery, improve livelihoods and build peace

For more information, or media interviews please contact: media.ly@undp.org