Youth leaders present their ideas on solving the development challenges in Libya to mark International Youth Day

TRIPOLI – 13 August – To celebrate International Youth Day in Libya, ten youth representatives from across the country joined acting Resident Coordinator and UNICEF Libya Representative, Michele Servadei, to discuss the challenges and solutions to implementing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Libya.

Asking for fresh perspectives on the problems facing young people, Servadei challenged each representative to identify the SDG that was most important to them and suggest actionable solutions to the problems around its implementation in the country.

“Youth play a crucial role in promoting human rights and achieving the SDGs,” said Servadei. “When young people meaningfully participate in the decision-making processes of a country, we see a spark of innovation and creative actions are set in motion for its development.”

The group echoed the same challenges highlighted by youth representatives in dialogues with UNSMIL held over the course of the last year. They highlighted political instability and the lack of security as key issues and focused heavily on the challenges around education, including quality, access and opportunities for employment.

“One human right is not more important than another,” said one of the participants. “Here in Libya we need all the rights. We talk about education and participation, but we also need to look at governance and transitional justice” they said.

Another added that youth were searching for representation and ultimate solutions, not interim solutions. “If there is no peace, there is no justice,” they said.

The group highlighted the limited resources going to educational services, particularly at university level, and the lack of sustained investments in the south of the country which creates systemic inequalities, particularly in education and healthcare.

“All the regions in the south lack services and development,” said another participant. “Those living there are third degree citizens. Hospitals have few doctors and schools lack teachers. How can young people living there become assets to Libya when they do not get full education?” they added.

The group suggested that the UN work with them and others to implement solutions such as:

• Working with the government of Libya to formalize a Youth Strategy which includes safe spaces for youth;
• Supporting civil society organisations into forming a structured youth network;
• Reporting and actively engaging with authorities on human rights violations;
• Working with authorities to increase educational scholarships, upgrade the curriculum, and develop a youth network across universities;
• Working with the government to improve access and rights for people with disabilities and linking them with social protection tools;
• Raising awareness about human rights among lawyers and the judiciary and making explicit the links of human rights to Islam;

“The potential of Libya is its youth,” said Servadei. “Involving young people in decision-making is a must if we want a modern society. It allows for intergenerational dialogue and collaboration, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. It ensures that the voices and perspectives of the next generation are integrated into the shaping of our collective future,” he said.