The French Republic pursues its commitment to Libya by almost doubling its current donation to the Stabilization Facility for Libya
Tunis, 19/October/2017 – French Ambassador to Libya, H.E. Ms. Brigitte Curmi, and Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Libya, Ms. Maria do Valle Ribeiro, signed an agreement to increase support to the Stabilization Facility for Libya.
The signing ceremony took place today at the French Embassy to Libya relocated in Tunis, in the presence of the Technical Cooperation Director of the Libyan Ministry of Planning, Mr. Esam Garbaa, and Political Counsellor of Embassy of Libya to Tunisia, Ms. Iman Talib.
The new funding totals 1,058,000 US$ (900,000 Euros). With this new donation, France is a strategic supporter to the stabilization approach in Libya, contributing over 2,119,000 US$ to UNDP Libya’s work.
Led by the Government of the National Accord (GNA) and managed by UNDP, the Stabilization Facility for Libya (SFL) is a multi-country initiative which started to operate in April 2016. The Facility aims to support the GNA through the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and boosting the capacity of local authorities. The Stabilization Facility is already delivering in Benghazi, Kikla, Obari, Sebha, and Sirte.
During the signing ceremony, Deputy SRSG, Ms. Maria Valle Ribeiro, highlighted the importance of this contribution to the SFL as it seeks to expand its work to other locations in Libya such as Bani Walid and Tripoli.
“The SFL is allowing the rehabilitation of infrastructure that is enabling the reopening of key services at the municipal level. Last week in Sirte, the rehabilitation of Al Fath School was completed which will enable a total of 1,2000 students to go back to school. France contribution will ensure that the SFL can continue to improve the life of people in Libya”.
French Ambassador to Libya, H.E. Ms. Brigitte Curmi stated:
“Every initiative which emanates from the international community with the support of the Libyan authorities, and that aims at improving Libyan’s daily live is most welcome.
Achievements of the Stabilization Fund for Libya underline the importance of fostering projects at local level, at the closest to the communities, with the help of the Libyan municipalities.
It is a successful tool to empower local actors, civil society and municipalities and to pursue the experience of democracy that has been engaged at local level in the past years.”
On his part, the Technical Cooperation Director of the Libyan Ministry of Planning, Mr. Esam Garbaa, has praised the work of UNDP and thanked France for its commitment to its country.
“The SFL is accepted by many Libyan people, who really appreciate the efforts of the international community. Hospitals that were damaged and closed because of the conflict are now open and functioning and schools have been reopened after rehabilitation work undertaken through the SFL. These projects directly improve the lives of our citizens and give hope to our people. I can only express gratitude”.
In June, the SFL Board agreed to expand its programme to four new locations: Tripoli, Bani Walid, Kufra and Derna. A needs assessment has already started for Greater Tripoli, and a list of priority investments has been identified for Bani Walid.
Note to the editor:
The Stabilization Facility for Libya has already delivered 24 ambulances, solar panels and generators for seven hospitals and two municipal buildings, and other equipment including garbage trucks and school computers. It has rehabilitated 23 infrastructures including hospitals, schools, electrical substations and a court house. It has also strengthened local peace-making and conflict reduction partnerships with social actors in five conflict-affected cities, helping for example to bring into civic life a group of young ex-combatants previously living on the margins of town.
For more information, or media interviews please contact:
Hilaria Espin, UNDP Communication Specialist at Hilaria.espin@undp.org