Tripoli, 19 November 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Embassy of Italy in Libya undertook a joint field mission to Yefren and Al Qalah municipalities to engage with local authorities and communities on water security and broader development priorities. 

The visit forms part of the Water Security Project in Libya, supported through the Italian Cooperation’s contribution and Denmark’s support via UNDP’s Funding Window.. The project supports national and local authorities in strengthening climate resilience, improving water supply systems, and enhancing community engagement, particularly among women and youth, in water management. 

During the mission, the delegation met with municipal officials from Yefren and Al Qalah  to discuss priorities and challenges related to water scarcity, desert encroachment, and limited connection to the Man-Made River Project (MMR) network, as well as broader local development concerns affecting community wellbeing and public services. 

Yefren Mayor, Mr. Hussain Kafo says: “Water is a daily concern for our community, and any improvement makes a real difference in people’s lives. The rehabilitation of the facilities and the support provided through this project are helping us address long-standing challenges. We value the continued cooperation with UNDP and the Italian Government as we work to improve services for our residents.” 

The delegation visited several project-supported sites, including a rehabilitated water pump stations, installed water treatment units, and the Women’s Centre, where local women play a leading role in water awareness and community resilience activities. Through the project, women have been trained in sustainable water practices and included more actively in local water management efforts. 

In Al Qalah, UNDP team reviewed the functionality of the newly installed water treatment unit and discussed community usage and remaining gaps. 

Al Qalah Mayor, Mr. Mohamed Abu Al Qasem says: “As a small municipality, we rely heavily on infrastructure that truly serves our people’s needs. The new treatment unit is already improving access, and the feedback from our residents has been positive.” 

H.E. Gianluca Alberini, Ambassador of Italy to Libya, said: “Italy concretely contributes to improving water security in Libya, supporting a project that, together with UNDP and local partners, is enhancing access to drinking water in Yefren and Al Qalah. We are strengthening local infrastructure and ensuring stability and development for local communities and the Libyan people.” 

The results achieved in Yefren, supported by Denmark through UNDP’s Funding Window, are now being scaled up across the Jabal Nafusa region thanks to the Italian contribution, advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation. 

H.E. Ambassador Fenja Yamaguchi-Fasting, the Danish Ambassador to Tunisia and Ambassador-delegate to Libya, says: "Improved water resource management is a prerequisite for better living conditions, increased climate resilience, food security and health in the context of climate change.  Water shortage is a global challenge that requires focus of all countries and partners, and Denmark is therefore proud of its continued support to UNDP’s pivotal role in working for water security on a community-based level." 

Dr Sophie Kemkhadze, UNDP Resident Representative in Libya, highlighted, “Water security is fundamental to people’s dignity and to the resilience of communities. What we saw today reflects the impact that coordinated planning and practical investments can deliver when local authorities and communities are fully engaged. With Italy’s support, we will continue expanding these efforts to ensure that more municipalities in the Jabal Nafusa have reliable, climate-resilient water services.” 

The joint mission reaffirmed the strong partnership between UNDP, the Government of Italy, and local authorities to address climate-induced water challenges and support more inclusive and sustainable development across the region.