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December 2024
Highlights
A Historic 3D Visit to Southern Libya Marks Broad Engagement with Libyan Authorities
 The U.S. 3D delegation meets with Libyan officials in Sabha.
On November 24, a U.S. delegation led by Special Envoy to Libya, Ambassador Richard Norland, Chargé d'Affaires Jeremy Berndt, USAID/Libya Country Representative Christopher La Fargue, and Acting Defense Attaché Ethan Orwin, arrived in the city of Sabha. This marked the first 3D (Diplomacy, Development and Defense) trip by U.S. officials to Libya’s remote south, a region that has endured years of marginalization, neglect, and instability.
“This long-awaited trip represents a milestone for the U.S. government and demonstrates its commitment to establishing a longer-term presence in Libya,” said La Fargue. “Through our work in Sabha under the Global Fragility Act, we are addressing the unique challenges of Libya’s south by enhancing access to services, promoting justice, and supporting economic opportunity."
The U.S. delegation arrived at the recently renovated Sabha International Airport, which underwent significant improvements with more than $1.4 million in U.S. assistance over three years, enhancing accessibility to the region. Due to its susceptibility to conflict, illicit trafficking in goods and people, and the proximity of its porous southern border to the Sahel, the region has been a focus of USAID activities under the Global Fragility Act. In addition, USAID has prioritized Sabha and seven other southern municipalities to boost service delivery, promote reconciliation, increase job opportunities, and provide access to transitional justice.
The visit included a meeting with the Sabha mayor, the airport authority, and the head of the Libyan Islamic Bank, all of whom expressed gratitude to USAID for its ongoing support and commitment to promoting prosperity in the south. The delegation also met with Libyan National Army Lt. General Saddam Haftar to discuss mutual interests to counter terrorism, address transboundary migration, and assist Sudanese refugees.
Democracy, Accountability, and Governance
USAID Signs Agreement with the Libya Ministry of Planning
 USAID Deputy Country Representative Alicia Contreras-Donello watches the signing of the new MOU with the Ministry of Planning for the USAID funded EPIC activity.
On December 11, the Enhanced Partnerships for Institutional Capacity (EPIC) activity, funded by USAID, signed a partnership agreement with Libya's Ministry of Planning (MoP) to strengthen institutional capacity and promote transparent and equitable resource management.
EPIC builds upon over a decade of USAID support to several of Libya's key national institutions to implement transformational reforms to improve public services, address corruption, and promote public transparency.
The EPIC-MoP partnership focuses on creating a comprehensive strategic plan, developing systems for project expenditure tracking, implementing analytical tools, and building capacity in areas such as budgeting and data analysis. The agreement emphasizes capacity-building, institutional support, and transparency, with EPIC providing technical expertise and analytical support, while the MoP commits resources, staff, and institutional backing to achieve shared development goals.
Through national-level interventions and institutional capacity strengthening, USAID support continues to lay the groundwork for socio-economic stability in Libya and more positive prospects for its people.
USAID Prepares Libyan Youth for Climate-Related Emergencies
 Youth in Alssahel learn about disaster preparedness.
In the face of increasingly severe weather events—from the devastating floods in Derna in 2023 to recent incidents in Ghat and Tarhouna—Libya is confronting the urgent realities of climate change. To help families and communities better prepare for potential disasters, USAID's Taqarib activity has been hosting educational events across the country, empowering youth with knowledge and tools for emergency preparedness.
Two recent events, led by Champion for Change member Fatima Alhassi, brought together over 200 children in the Alssahel and Susa municipalities. The sessions focused on equipping young participants with the skills to navigate emergencies related to climate change.
Central to the program was "Prepare with Pedro," an activity book designed by the American Red Cross in partnership with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency about a penguin who loves to learn how to stay safe during an emergency. The Taqarib communications team translated the book into Arabic and adapted it for the Libyan context. This engaging educational tool helps children understand how to prepare for various emergencies in a fun and accessible way.
The sessions also included interactive activities, such games that demonstrated the impacts of air pollution and the consequences of environmental destruction. These hands-on exercises made complex topics relatable and actionable for the children.
Alhassi’s inspiration for these sessions came from her participation in a USAID training on climate change, where she recognized the importance of involving children in disaster preparedness.
"When children understand the dangers of climate-related disasters and how to respond, entire families become more resilient," Alhassi explained.
The success of these events has prompted plans for eight additional sessions in four eastern municipalities including Shahhat, Susa, Derna and Albayda. Through efforts like these, USAID continues to support communities in building resilience to climate challenges, ensuring a safer and more prepared future for all.
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