Tripoli – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), following close collaboration with national and local counterparts, celebrated the rehabilitation of Khalifa bin Askar Hall. This initiative was made possible through the generous funding from the European Union, offering a vital space for community gatherings, cultural activities, and municipal services, directly benefiting the residents of Nalut. This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to fostering resilience, social cohesion, and recovery in Libya.

Situated in Libya’s western mountains near the Tunisian border, Nalut has long been a crossroads of cultural heritage and local trade. Recognizing the city’s rich heritage and its potential for revitalization, UNDP and the Ministry of Local Governance along with the local community have worked closely to identify and address local priorities. Through the Strengthening Local Capacities for Resilience and Recovery project, UNDP has implemented initiatives designed to empower communities and enhance municipal services.

Within UNDP’s support to Nalut, efforts have been focused also on building local capacity, Collaboratively, UNDP and the Ministry of Local Governance have delivered comprehensive training programmes to enhance the skills of municipal staff. These programs cover key areas such as Project Management, Human Resources, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), and empowerment of women’s in conflict-sensitive settings. By equipping local leaders with the skills needed to manage projects and services sustainably, these efforts ensure long-term resilience and development in Nalut.

The rehabilitation of Khalifa bin Askar Hall and other initiatives under the ‘Strengthening Local Capacities for Resilience and Recovery’ project exemplify UNDP’s commitment to

empowering communities and fostering sustainable recovery. These efforts ensure that Nalut continues to thrive as a vibrant and resilient city within Libya’s cultural landscape.

“This hall is more than a building; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the collective power of communities to rebuild and thrive,” said Dr. Sophie Kemkhadze, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Libya. “Visiting Nalut including its Old City and the remarkable Dinosaur Museum, was a powerful reminder of the cultural richness and community pride that fuel local recovery. We are proud to partner with the European Union and local leaders to support Nalut’s recovery and ensure that its vibrant culture continues to enrich Libya’s landscape.”

Background

UNDP’s Local Peacebuilding and Resilience Programme addresses key challenges to stability in Libya, such as gaps in social services, justice, security, and economic opportunities. Adopting a resilience-based approach, the program strengthens decentralization and enhances coordination between municipalities, civil society, and the central government. This aligns with Libya’s national priorities and supports local recovery initiatives like the rehabilitation of Khalifa bin Askar Hall.

The project’s success is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable recovery across Libya, with Nalut serving as an example of how targeted investments in infrastructure and capacity building can foster long-term peace and development