From Climate Commitments to National Action

Endorsement of Libya’s Climate Framework Under the Paris Agreement

July 7, 2026
Photograph: a man signs a document at a table as officials applaud at a formal ceremony.
Malek Elmaghrebi

Tripoli, 07 July 2026 – Libya officially launched its Strategic Climate Framework under the Paris Agreement today, comprising the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Initial National Communication (INC) . The framework has now been formally endorsed by the Government of Libya through the signatures of H.E. Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, and the endorsement of relevant ministries. 

This strategic framework was developed through a nationally-led consultative process coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and the National Climate Change Committee and its Executive Office with technical, coordination and capacity development support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

This endorsement marks a major milestone in Libya's climate agenda and demonstrates the country's commitment to integrating climate priorities into national development planning, strengthening resilience to climate change and advancing sustainable development.

Together, the NDC, NAP and INC form Libya's core climate policy framework under the Paris Agreement, guiding national efforts on mitigation, adaptation, transparency and reporting.

Libya is increasingly affected by climate change, including rising temperatures, water scarcity, desertification, land degradation and growing pressures on coastal zones, biodiversity and critical infrastructure. The three documents provide a roadmap for addressing these challenges while promoting sustainable economic development, strengthening food and water security, enhancing climate resilience and supporting green and inclusive growth.

Climate change is shaping Libya’s development trajectory, affecting water security, livelihoods, public health, infrastructure and economic resilience. The Strategic Climate Framework provides an integrated approach to addressing these interconnected challenges while supporting sustainable development and long-term economic transformation.

Libya's first NDC outlines climate priorities and targets for 2026–2035, including measures to reduce emissions intensity, expand renewable energy and energy efficiency, improve land and water management and strengthen adaptation across key sectors.

The NAP provides a medium and long-term framework for adaptation planning through 2045 and beyond. It identifies 14 priority adaptation measures across sectors including water resources, agriculture, biodiversity, health, infrastructure and governance.

The INC provides a comprehensive assessment of Libya's climate context, greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation and adaptation priorities, and support needs. It strengthens evidence-based decision-making, supports transparency, and fulfills Libya's reporting commitments under the UNFCCC.

The endorsement of the Strategic Climate Framework also creates a stronger foundation for mobilizing climate finance, strengthening partnerships and translating national climate commitments into practical actions and investments that benefit communities across Libya.

The achievement reflects the collective efforts of national institutions, technical experts, academia, civil society organizations, development partners and local stakeholders whose contributions were essential to shaping Libya’s climate vision and priorities.This strategic framework was developed through a nationally-led consultative process coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and the National Climate Change Committee and its Executive Office, with support from the European Union, the Government of Germany, GIZ and UNDP. This endorsement event has also been supported the UNFCCC Secretariat.

Photo: Conference audience watches a speaker at a podium with flags and a blue backdrop.

H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Arabi Munir, Minister of Environment delivering his speech during the endorsement event

Malek Elmaghrebi

Speaking during the endorsement, H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Arabi Munir, Minister of Environment, said: “Climate change is no longer a distant threat to Libya;  its impacts are already evident across the country, from flooding in coastal cities and water salinization in the north to rising temperatures, water scarcity, and desertification in the south. Through Libya's Strategic Climate Framework, we have adopted a balanced approach that combines strengthening resilience and adaptation with mitigating climate change.”

“Today’s endorsement marks an important step in Libya’s climate journey and provides a stronger foundation for action, investment and cooperation. The European Union is proud to have supported this Libyan-led process. Looking ahead, our focus is on helping translate these frameworks into concrete results. Through future cooperation, including support to cleaner energy and industry, the EU will continue to accompany Libya as it modernises its economy, strengthens its energy sector and reduces emissions. Libya does not need to choose between development and environmental responsibility; with the right policies and partnerships, they can advance together,” said Nicola Orlando, EU Ambassador to Libya.

“This milestone reflects the strong commitment of Libya and its institutions to shaping a sustainable and climate-resilient future. The NDC, NAP, and INC provide a shared roadmap for climate actions, built on collaboration, scientific evidence, and national priorities. Germany is proud to accompany Libya on this important path toward sustainable development and enhanced climate resilience”, said Mr.  Bernhard Worm, Head of International Cooperation, German Embassy in Libya. 

“Climate action is increasingly becoming a development and resilience priority for Libya. Over the past years, UNDP has worked closely with the Ministry of Environment, the National Climate Change Committee and a broad range of national stakeholders to support the development of Libya’s climate framework under the Paris Agreement. The endorsement of the NDC, NAP and INC demonstrates Libya’s commitment to turning climate ambition into action and provides a foundation for stronger partnerships, greater climate investment and coordinated action across sectors to build a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous future for all Libyans,” said Dr Sophie Kemkhadze, UNDP Resident Representative in Libya.

The endorsement event also provides a platform to strengthen national and international cooperation, mobilise partnerships and climate financing needed to support implementation of Libya’s climate priorities over the coming years