Ali Bin Younes
Rebuilding Libya is not solely a domestic undertaking. Libya does not yet have all the tools nor expertise required to meet these difficult and ambitious goals.
Libya today stands at decisive turning point. After years of political paralysis, the new roadmap advanced by the United Nations Mission in Libya offers a pathway to restore political institutions, unify governance and lay the foundations for peace, stability and security.
This opportunity, however, cannot succeed in isolation. Libya’s recovery will require not only domestic reform and cooperation that transcends political factions, but also robust external support to help us rebuild and modernise our nation state.
Only with this support can Libyans achieve the needed economic stability for economic growth, to the benefit of the people, first and foremost, the Libyan people, whilst strengthening shared interests of our international partners in the region.
We considered essential that stability is anchored in two fundamental pillars: the national reconciliation and rebuilding of state institutions thereby unlocking Libya’s vast economic potential. But reconciliation alone will not guarantee prosperity. It must be matched with large investments in infrastructure, education, health, security and the diversification of the Libyan economy. Without these, Libya is in great danger of staying trapped in a cycle of fragility and underdevelopment, with major negative impact on regional and international stability.
The Libyan people are our most valuable resource. For too long, our population has been deprived of the opportunities that come with a functioning economy and modern public services. This trend must be reversed, in the first instance by making significant investments in education and health. This means rebuilding our schools and universities, strengthening vocational training and creating pathways for Libya’s youth to acquire the skills needed in a modern, diversified economy.
Equally, Libya requires investment in healthcare to improve public health outcomes and provide the security of a functioning system for all citizens. In both education and health, international partnerships will be critical.
The first building block of our economic revival ought to be telecommunications. In the 21st century, no economy can thrive without connectivity. Telecommunications infrastructure will serve as the backbone for modernising our state institutions, expanding private enterprise and integrating Libya into global markets. Telecommunications can create the platform and impetus for growth across all sectors of the Libyan economy.
Libya is blessed with vast natural wealth. Beyond our well-known (and as yet unknown) oil and gas reserves, the Libya state also has a significant deposit of phosphates, iron, and rare earth minerals that remain underdeveloped. Together with international partners, we deem it essential to transform these resources into drivers of long-term prosperity, always of course employ best practices and modern technologies to maximise value while protecting the environment.
Libya’s agriculture and energy sectors hold untapped potential that can strengthen food security, create jobs and diversify our economic base. With international expertise and capital, these resources can be harnessed not only for the benefit of Libya’s own population but also to position the country as a reliable supplier and partner for regional and global markets. Our ambition is to make Libya a gateway to Africa, a hub where international partners can connect with African markets through reciprocal trade agreements, respect for international conventions, national sovereignty and enduring partnerships.
None of this can be achieved without security. Stability will always remain the indispensable foundation for all progress. Libya’s borders stretch across vast desert terrain and the Mediterranean coastline, presenting complex challenges. We seek cooperation with countries that can provide advanced border-control technologies and training, helping us to stem illegal migration, disrupt smuggling networks and protect Libya’s sovereignty and wealth. This is not only in Libya’s interest but also in Europe’s interest, and the interest of that wider international community, since it directly reduces illegal migration and transnational criminal activities.
The new Libya must be committed to rebuilding its national defence and security institutions. With the help of trusted international partners, Libya has now to establish professional, unified armed forces and modern security services that operate transparently, respect human rights and can ensure the security of both the Libyan population and the region. This will also further help Libya to contribute positively to be a positive actor in international efforts to fight terrorism, organised crime and other cross-border threats.
Rebuilding Libya is not solely a domestic undertaking. Libya does not yet have all the tools or expertise required to meet these difficult and ambitious goals. That is why we need governments, international institutions and private investors to join us in turning the page on conflict and rebuilding a new Libya.
With the right partnerships and policies, which must be shaped jointly by all current parties and factions within Libya, the country can absolutely transform from a theatre of division into a reliable partner for security cooperation, energy supply, sustainable development and regional integration. All Libyan stakeholders acting together responsibly, can build a Libya that delivers for its people while strengthening the bonds of cooperation that tie nations and peoples together.
***
Ali Milad Bin Younes is the minister of marine wealth in the Government of National Stability in eastern Libya.
_____________________
