LocationsLibya Launches 2050 National Water Security Strategy to Combat Scarcity and Build Climate Resilience
April 22, 2026
UNDP Libya Deputy Resident Representative Mr Mohammed Salih
TRIPOLI, LIBYA – April 21, 2026 – In a critical step toward safeguarding its vital natural resources, the Government of Libya today officially endorsed the National Water Security Strategy (NWSS). The landmark strategy, developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Italy, establishes a comprehensive roadmap to 2050 aimed at balancing water demand with sustainable resource management.
Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbibah chaired the high-level launch event in Tripoli, joined by Minister of Planning Mohamed Al-Zaidani, Minister of Water Resources Hosni Awedan, UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC) Ulrika Richardson, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Mohammed Salih, and the Deputy Ambassador of Italy, Riccardo Villa, alongside a large number of ministers, officials, experts, academics, and relevant stakeholders.
Libya is currently ranked among the most water-scarce countries in the world, drawing over 90 percent of its water supply from non-renewable groundwater resources. Compounded by climate change, aging infrastructure causing severe water loss, and rising demand, the newly adopted strategy marks a decisive shift in the nation's approach to resource management.
Addressing the attendees, Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbibah underscored the urgency of the initiative. "Water security is not merely a service issue; it is a sovereign matter of national security. Protecting our resources means protecting the future of our children," he stated. "We must transition from temporary solutions to long-term strategic planning and sustainable policies. This strategy provides a comprehensive national framework for reform, directing investments and unifying efforts across all institutions.
H.E Prime Minister Abdulhamid AlDbaiba, H.E Minister Zidani (L) and H.E Minister Awedan (R)
The strategy sets forth five core pillars designed to overhaul Libya's water management approach. Minister of Planning Mohamed Al-Zaidani emphasized this paradigm shift: "It marks a significant shift from 'meeting demand at any cost' to 'meeting demand efficiently' ... Adopting this strategy is the beginning of a new phase; turning it into a tangible reality requires collective commitment and careful monitoring."
Aligning the national vision with global development frameworks, Minister of Water Resources Hosni Awedan noted that the strategy is deeply rooted in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal on clean water and sanitation (SDG 6). "Our strategic objectives are clear: reducing individual consumption and ending the over-reliance on non-renewable groundwater, cutting water loss in our networks to less than 25%, and integrating the 'Nexus' approach, linking water, energy, and ecosystems," Minister Awedan explained.
The realization of the NWSS is the result of strong national leadership coupled with robust international partnership. Emphasizing the collaborative journey, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Mohammed Salih highlighted the inclusive, multi-year process behind the policy.
"What we are witnessing today is the fruit of tireless work that lasted for over two years. This effort was not limited to technical aspects alone, but included comprehensive national dialogues that brought together various actors in the water sector, contributing to a shared vision," Salih noted. Reaffirming UNDP's ongoing commitment alongside international partners, he added, "In the next phase, UNDP will continue its relentless efforts to support the implementation of this ambitious strategy by enhancing capacities, building effective systems, and supporting agreed priorities to ensure sustainable drinking water for future generations and strengthen community resilience."
Highlighting the broader developmental impact, DSRSG/RC Ulrika Richardson stressed that the focus must now shift to action. "Today marks a transition, from design to delivery. The real measure of success will be on implementation: in translating strategy into coordinated investments, in strengthening institutional cooperation and accountability, and in ensuring that benefits reach communities across all regions of Libya.
As Libya navigates its complex developmental transition, the adoption of the National Water Security Strategy stands as a testament to the country's commitment to sustainable development. Supported by international partners including Italy, UNDP remains a dedicated ally, ready to support Libya in translating this critical policy into impactful, on-the-ground implementation.
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