The European Union, said it is providing 10 million euros ($12 million) in extra funding for the UN Development Programme’s (UNDP)’s new initiative on stability, unity and social cohesion (SUSC) in Libya.
The EU Delegation to Libya said this in a statement issued in Tropoli on Tuesday.
The initiative aims to support peaceful dialogue and reconciliation between communities to improve social cohesion and national unity, the statement said.
“With this new EU funding, the SUSC initiative will continue to support three existing complementary projects – the stabilisation facility for Libya, national reconciliation and local elections.
“Others are introducing a new project on preventing violent extremism, which will help those communities where it is most needed,’’ the statement said.
The continuing partnership of the EU and the UNDP in the new initiative focuses on strengthening capacities of municipalities.
This will work for and with their communities to establish and sustain a peaceful environment by creating peace dividends and supporting local peace agreements, the statement explained.
“We are happy to receive this important contribution and continue working in partnership with the EU to support local authorities and promote inclusive and sustainable development and SDGs in Libyan communities,’’ said UNDP Resident Representative, Gerardo Noto.
“Through this joint initiative with UNDP, we reconfirm our unwavering support to Libya’s peaceful democratic transition,’’ the EU Ambassador to Libya, Alan Bugeja, said.
Focusing on strengthening efforts of Libyan municipalities, to prevent violent extremism through raising awareness on the dangers of extremism and countering extremist messaging in communities, is another component of the initiative, the statement added.
