Tripoli – H.E Isabelle Savard, the Ambassador of Canada to Libya, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Mr. Marc-André Franche, visited partners and facilities supported by the Stability Facility for Libya to appreciate progress and discuss the sustainability of those efforts.

At the headquarters of the civil society organization Nana Marine in Tripoli , H.E Ambassador and Mr. Franche appreciate the important efforts to increase the participation of youth and women in local elections and public dialogues efforts at the community level and admire Nana Marine’s work to develop skills and promote employment of the country’s most vulnerable.  

“Canada is proud to have supported the Stabilization Facility for Libya over the years,” said Ambassador Savard.  “We thank the UNDP for providing us the opportunity to meet with and visit the civil society organization Nana Marine and the Tajoura Cardiology Hospital; and to exchange with participants on how our contribution has supported women and youth in local elections as well as employment opportunities, not to mention seeing firsthand the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure such as the Cardiology Hospital,” affirmed the Ambassador.

H.E. and Mr. Franche also visited the Tajoura Cardiology Hospital, where Dr. Abdul Raouf Fares, Director of the Hospital, explained the centre’s achievement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our hospital is one of the largest cardiology health facilities across North Africa. However, its infrastructure was neglected. Thanks to UNDP, the Stabilization Facility for Libya, and the international support, including Canada’s contribution, the hospital now counts with an integrated electricity system through renewable energy, oxygen plant and sewage treatment system,” he affirmed.

The hospital was a key treatment centre for coronavirus patients in the region. With the support of 13 international partners and the Government of Libya, UNDP equipped the facility with an oxygen plant, a water treatment plant, and a renewable energy system to ensure consistent electric power for the intensive care units. 

UNDP Resident Representative stated: “UNDP’s investments were guided by an intensive local dialogue and prioritization.  It is really encouraging to see the ownership of local institutions, which has translated into effective ownership and a solid sustainability plan.  Nana Marine now runs a small business which generates their own revenue, and the hospital is fully ahead of the maintenance of the equipment provided.”

With the contribution of 13 international partners, including Canada, and the Government of Libya, UNDP has managed the Stabilization Facility for Libya, concluding its work this year.  The project worked closely with national and local authorities to restore basic services such as water and sanitation, education, and health in a sustainable and conflict-sensitive manner. Thus, improving the lives of thousands of people across Libya.