Libya’s Youth Lead the Way at EcoVision 2026: A Nationwide Challenge Turns Climate Innovation into Action

Tripoli, 26 January 2026 – Across Libya, young people stepped forward this January with bold solutions to one of the world’s most urgent challenges: climate change. Through the EcoVision: Libya Youth Climate Challenge 2026, youth innovators transformed environmental risks into opportunities, demonstrating that Libya’s path to sustainability will be shaped not only by policy, but also by creativity and determination of its next generation. 

Led by the United Nations in Libya, EcoVision 2026 empowered young environmental entrepreneurs through hands-on training, mentorship, and seed funding to bridge ideas with action. 

More than 300 young women and men applied to the nationwide challenge. Following a competitive selection process, shortlisted participants convened for intensive workshops and competitions in Benghazi (13-14 January), Sebha (18-19 January), and Tripoli (25-26 January). Notably, over 30 per cent of applicants were young women, underscoring the undisputable place of Libyan women in climate innovation and entrepreneurship. While the growing leadership role of young women needs to be facilitated and nurtured, the trend is visible and without any turning back!

Participants developed solutions rooted in Libya’s realities, ranging from climate-smart agriculture and circular economy ventures to digital tools for water conservation, demonstrating how local innovation can drive national resilience. 

“Libya’s greatest wealth is not only beneath its soil. It is seated in this room today,” said Ulrika Richardson, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Libya, in her opening remarks on the final day in Tripoli.

A Journey Across Regions: From Vision to Action

EcoVision’s journey began in Benghazi, where young people from Libya’s eastern region took part in two days of interactive learning and pitching. Their ideas included AI-powered irrigation systems, robotics for environmental education, and green start-ups focused on biodiversity restoration. Four teams were awarded seed funding and will receive continued support to implement their projects. 

“This initiative gave us the chance to refine our ideas, gain valuable experience, and turn them into sustainable business solutions,” said one winning team. “EcoVision created real opportunities to make a positive impact on our environment and inspired us to drive change.”

In Sebha, EcoVision became a catalyst for innovation in southern Libya. Participants developed climate-smart solutions tailored to the region’s unique environmental pressures, including smart leak-detection systems, local food processing initiatives to strengthen food security, and automated irrigation tools. Three teams received seed funding.

“Although the programme lasted only two days, it was one of the most impactful workshops I have ever taken part in,” said a youth participant. “We strengthened many entrepreneurial skills that will help us scale up our projects. Opportunities like this are rare in the South.”

The final stop in Tripoli brought together eight shortlisted teams who presented their ventures to a panel of experts and stakeholders, including representatives from national institutions, UN agencies, the private sector, and the diplomatic community. Winning projects included an AI-guided agricultural robot to reduce waste and increase yields; a food-surplus redistribution platform to cut waste and strengthen food security; and a tilapia hatchery aimed at restoring local aquaculture while creating jobs.

“EcoVision gave us a special opportunity to network and connect directly with decision-makers, diplomats, and private sector leaders,” said one winning team. “These conversations helped us navigate how our ideas can move beyond concepts and into real partnerships.”

Reflecting on the nationwide journey, DSRSG/RC Richardson noted, “This was more than travel across cities. It was an eye-opening journey through the incredible talent, creativity, and determination of Libya’s young people.”

Matching Vision with Support: Building a System for Sustainability

A defining innovation of EcoVision 2026 is its referral system, designed to ensure sustained support beyond the event itself. Through a coordinated approach, participants will be connected to relevant UN agency programmes and future financing opportunities, helping promising ideas grow into scalable solutions. 

“For the United Nations in Libya, young people are not just beneficiaries of change. They are partners in shaping it,” emphasized DSRSG/RC Richardson. She asked young people to bring ideas.  “The UN and its partners will match your ideas with an unwavering commitment to your growth, leadership, and success.”

This approach directly supports the  UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in Libya, advancing inclusive economic development, environmental resilience, and meaningful youth engagement.

What’s Next: Planting Seeds for the Future

While EcoVision’s three-city tour has concluded, its impact is only starting to take shape.  In the months ahead, seed grants will be disbursed and monitored, mentorship connections will remain active, and  high-potential projects will be referred for scale-up through institutional partnerships.

UN Libya and its partners are now exploring ways to institutionalize EcoVision as a national platform, ensuring that even more young women and men can lead climate action across the country.  As Libya accelerates its path toward sustainability, these young innovators are not only imagining the future. They are building it.

“Let EcoVision become part of Libya’s future,” DSRSG/RC Richardson concluded. “EcoVision is not ending here. This is only the beginning.”