UNDP and Japan Strengthen Support for Local Development

April 28, 2026

H.E. Ambassador Shimmura Izuru (L) signing the new agreement with UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Sophie Kemkhadze (R)

Roula Abubaker | UNDP Libya

Tripoli, 28 April 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Embassy of Japan in Libya today signed a new contribution agreement to advance human security and resilience across the country. The signing was accompanied by a joint mission to Tajoura, reaffirming the partners' shared commitment to strengthening essential services and improving local health infrastructure.

The new agreement, funded under the Japan Supplementary Budget (JSB), was officially signed at the Business Incubator in Tripoli. Forming part of a broader regional initiative, the funding will support integrated efforts in Kufra to address locally identified priorities.

The initiative aims to improve essential services, expand economic opportunities, and strengthen local governance. This includes support for municipal infrastructure and environmental management, alongside programs that promote livelihoods and food security for both host communities and displaced populations. Furthermore, it will foster social cohesion through support to electoral institutions, community engagement, and locally driven peacebuilding.

Underscoring the tangible impact of the long-standing Japan-UNDP partnership, the delegation conducted a field visit to Tajoura, beginning with a meeting with the Mayor and Municipal Council. Discussions focused on ongoing development needs, service delivery challenges, and opportunities for continued collaboration to enhance community resilience.

Welcoming the delegation, the Mayor of Tajoura emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships to address critical infrastructure needs and support the municipality’s development priorities.

"We highly appreciate this initiative and look forward to strengthening our partnerships with international entities to implement sustainable projects that serve the public interest, support the development process, and improve the quality of life for our citizens in Tajoura." said Mr Abd Al-Fattah Al-Turki, Mayor of Tajoura.

The delegation then visited the Tajoura National Heart Center, a key health facility serving the area. They met with hospital leadership and toured critical infrastructure supported by the Government of Japan under the Stabilization Facility for Libya (SFL). This included a wastewater treatment plant installed in 2021 and an oxygen facility completed in 2022, both of which have been vital to improving the quality and reliability of healthcare services at the center.

H.E. Ambassador Shimura Izuru highlighted Japan’s continued support for Libya’s recovery and stability efforts, noting the importance of investing in critical infrastructure that directly benefits communities. “Investing in the health and well-being of local communities is essential for Libya's overall stability,” said H.E. Ambassador Shimmura Izuru. “Japan is proud to expand its partnership with UNDP today, reinforcing our commitment to human security and ensuring that vital infrastructure continues to serve the Libyan people when they need it most.”

UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Sophie Kemkhadze, underscored the importance of locally driven solutions and sustained partnerships in addressing service delivery challenges.

“Through partnerships such as this, we are supporting municipalities to respond to immediate needs while strengthening the systems that communities rely on every day. Investments in health infrastructure are not only about service delivery, they are about dignity, resilience, and restoring trust,” she said.