The Ministry of Planning, under the auspices of His Excellency Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba, and in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the formulation process of the country’s first-ever National Water Security Strategy, based on the Integrated Water Resources Management approach. The strategy aims to ensure sustainable solutions for water security amid the growing impacts of climate change and increasing demand.

Developed under the National Water Security Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Planning, with UNDP’s high-level technical expertise and broad stakeholder participation, the strategy formulation represents a major step forward in achieving sustainable management of Libya’s water resources. The process, which is part of UNDP’s Water Management Initiative, funded by the Embassy of Italy, highlights the Ministry’s commitment to securing Libya’s future through strategic planning, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive collaboration with national and international partners.

The strategy, set to be completed in the third quarter of 2025, addresses Libya’s heavy reliance on groundwater, inefficient water use, and the growing risks posed by extreme weather patterns. It outlines actionable steps to manage demand, enhance resilience, explore non-conventional water sources, and integrate the water-energy nexus for long-term sustainability.
 
UNDP’s Resident Representative, Dr. Sophie Kemkhadze, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, saying, “Water security is essential for development and resilience. Integrated water management requires cross-sectoral collaboration. All relevant stakeholders—government agencies, local authorities, women, youth, and civil society— must be included to ensure a holistic and inclusive process.