Libya Marks International Anti-Corruption Day with the Launch of Phase II of the EU-Funded Project to Counter Corruption and Money Laundering, Implemented by UNODC

Libya commemorated International Anti-Corruption Day by launching Phase II of the European Union–funded project, “Building Libya’s National Capacity to Prevent and Combat Corruption and Money Laundering.” Implemented by UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) through its Programme Office in Libya, in partnership with the Supreme Committee Supervising the National Strategy for Performance, Oversight, Anti-Corruption, and Prevention (2025–2030) in the Administrative Control Authority (ACA). The project aims to strengthen further Libya’s institutional ability to prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to corruption and financial crimes.

The signing was conducted by the Chair of the Supreme Committee Supervising the National Strategy for Performance, Oversight, Anti-Corruption, and Prevention (2025–2030), Mr. Ibrahim Abdulkarim Ali, and the Head of UNODC Programme Office in Libya, Dr. Tariq Sonnan. In this respect, the launch took place during the celebration of the State of Libya for the International Anti-Corruption Day, which was attended by more than 500 representatives from national authorities, as well as regional and international government officials. The celebration also marks the convening of a two-day Expert Group Meeting in Tripoli, gathering representatives from anti-corruption bodies from Libya, Algeria, Jordan, and Morocco, in addition to international experts from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Participants will be able to discuss the effective implementation of national anti-corruption strategies, with a particular focus on Libya’s National Strategy for Performance, Oversight, Anti-Corruption, and Prevention (2025–2030). The meeting will highlight the best regional and international practices for implementing national anti-corruption strategies, including effective inter-agency coordination and guidance on developing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on national strategies.

In this respect, Mr. Abdulhamid Al-Dabaiba, Prime Minister, Government of National Unity, stated: “The inter-agency cooperation among executive bodies and supervisory authorities in Libya was commemorated with the development and launching of the national anti-corruption strategy of Libya. These efforts embody the strong political will and belief in the crucial role of supervisory authorities to combat corruption, and strengthen transparency and integrity.”

Dr. Mohamed Takala, President of the High Council of State, highlighted that “developing a modern public administration should be supported by digital transformation, and transparent government-citizens transactions to prevent corruption. In this sense, the High Council of State is committed to supporting the process of institutional reform, and to providing a legislative environment that supports the independence of supervisory authorities to guarantee the effectiveness of their mandate to combat corruption, which contributes towards building a strong nation”.

Mr. Abdulla Gadirboh, Chairman of the Administrative Control Authority, highlighted that “Libya was among the first States to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption. We have worked tirelessly to implement its provisions on institutional and legislative levels by developing anti-corruption and transparency laws as well as establishing the Administrative Control Authority with the mandate to combat all forms of corruption and to mainstream integrity principles, including the preservation and maintenance of public funds and ensuring the transparent access to information.”

Mr. Nicola Orlando, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Libya, stated: “The European Union stands firmly with leading institutions and civil society in combating corruption, which is a generational challenge. Moreover, to strengthen transparency, accountability, and the rule of law across the country. National anti-corruption strategies are vital in these matters as they bring together all efforts in a comprehensive and organized way to ensure that related initiatives converge towards national interests. The EU is honored to witness the launching of this EU-supported flagship project to strengthen national capacities to combat corruption and money laundering in Libya.”

Ms. Ulrika Ingeborg, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General / Resident Coordinator (DSRSG/RC) stated “The United Nations remains fully committed to supporting Libya in building strong economic governance systems, enhancing oversight mechanisms and reinforcing the national capacity to prevent and combat corruption. These reforms are essential for restoring public trust and advancing stability and prosperity that all Libyans deserve.”

Ms. Cristina Albertin, UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa, reiterated, “Corruption is a global challenge, yet the most effective solutions are built at the national level through strong leadership and meaningful collaboration. Our long-standing partnership with Libya has benefited over 600 officials and representatives, including prosecutors, investigators, law enforcement officials, financial analysts, academics, and youth, strengthening their skills in countering corruption, financial crimes, and promoting integrity.”

Phase II builds on these achievements and aims to strengthen further the capacity of national institutions to detect, investigate, and adjudicate corruption and money laundering cases. It will also advance preventive measures against financial crimes while expanding efforts to engage Libyan youth in identifying and reporting corrupt practices and promoting ethical conduct in both business and community settings.

Over the coming three years, the project will work to enhance transparency and integrity in public administration, strengthen operational and legal capacities to counter corruption and money laundering, and deepen national, regional, and international cooperation to address cross-border financial crimes.