As we move through the second quarter of 2025, Libya, like much of the region, is navigating a period of uncertainty. Evolving political dynamics and regional tensions continue to pose challenges but reaffirm the importance of strong institutions, resilient communities, and sustained development partnerships. 

In these moments, development cannot be viewed as a luxury. It is the steady path forward. Consistent investments in people, in public services, and in local leadership, are what sustain stability when the road ahead is unclear. 

Across Libya, we continue to witness moments of gradual transformation. In the South, municipalities are working with their communities to shape inclusive local development plans, setting priorities for public infrastructure, services, and economic recovery. These processes, supported through UNDP’s Local Peacebuilding and Resilience Programme, are creating a space where dialogue, not division, informs decisions. 

In the East, we see young people contributing to new thinking around green jobs and future-focused industries. With the right support, youth are not only responding to challenges but actively designing solutions that meet the needs of their communities. In Tripoli and Benghazi, civic engagement initiatives and digital innovation are giving young people the tools to express their ideas, build skills, and contribute meaningfully to Libya’s long-term recovery. 

These experiences point to a deeper truth: meaningful development happens when people are given the space and resources to shape their own future. What connects these efforts is not their size or visibility, but the trust they build and the ownership they foster. Development is most impactful when it is owned by communities, aligned with national priorities, and sustained through partnership. 

This includes preserving and revitalizing Libya’s cultural heritage, a powerful but often overlooked pillar of resilience. Through our work with the Ministry of Local Governance, the Department of Antiquities, and local partners, we are helping to safeguard heritage sites, restore historic public spaces, and reconnect communities with their cultural identity. This is not only about conservation, it is about strengthening social cohesion, civic pride, and economic opportunity through sustainable tourism and cultural engagement. In times of crisis, heritage can serve as a source of unity, dignity, and shared belonging. 

At UNDP, we remain committed to supporting Libya’s recovery through practical, people-centred approaches. Whether through our support with the Ministry of Water Resources on a National Water Security Strategy, our support to local councils on employment and economic opportunity, or our work to strengthen inclusive planning processes, we are proud to stand behind the groundwork being laid at the local level. 

Much of this work happens behind the scenes, gradually, deliberatively, and is often overlooked. Yet, it is precisely these efforts that help maintain continuity, reinforce local trust, and create the conditions for long-term development. Especially in fragile settings, steady progress at the community level is what anchors resilience. 

But resilience cannot be built in isolation, and it cannot afford interruption. In this context, sustained support from our partners is more critical than ever. Continued investment in Libya’s recovery means more than funding; it means standing with people who are steadily building peace, dignity, and opportunity amid uncertainty.