Attachments
The European Union, in partnership with CESVI and Tatweer Research, continues to advance its commitment to strengthening civil society in Libya through the YouthCentered Dialogue for Peace and Justice in Libya (YCDPJ) project. The latest phase of this EU-funded initiative focuses on building the capacity of civil society organizations, fostering strategic partnerships, and amplifying youth voices.
Recognizing that many Libyan civil society organizations operate in complex and evolving contexts that can limit in-person networking opportunities, the EU has launched online peer exchanges to connect them with regional counterparts across the Middle East and North Africa.. These exchanges, organized under YCDPJ aim to bridge geographical and institutional gaps, allowing CSOs to share experiences, gain new perspectives, and collaborate on common challenges.
Throughout September 2025, five virtual sessions were facilitated by Tatweer Research, offering Libyan CSOs the opportunity to learn from regional peers, share experiences, and explore collaborative approaches to peacebuilding, inclusion, and development. These dialogues aim to foster knowledge transfer, introduce innovative practices, and strengthen the ability of Libyan CSOs to serve as key actors for social change and community resilience.
Tafarroud for Empowerment, a Libyan organization supporting women and children, met with Saudi Arabia ’ s Aeon Collective to discuss women ’ s empowerment and environmental sustainability. Aeon presented its Tree Library initiative, reflecting its human-centric, nature-positive approach to regenerative development, and discussed how similar concepts could be adapted in Libya. The dialogue underscored shared challenges—such as securing sustainable funding, scaling impact, and advancing women ’ s rights—and ended with a mutual commitment to further collaboration.
A second exchange connected the Information and Research Center – King Hussein Foundation (IRCKHF) from Jordan with two Libyan CSOs: MED.ly and the April Health Awareness Foundation. The discussion focused on evidence-based research, gender equality, and community empowerment. IRCKHF shared best practices from its advocacy and data accessibility platforms.
Moomken Organization for Awareness and Media, one of Libya’s leading CSOs, met with Majaal Foundation and Make Readers for a dynamic exchange centered on media development, civic engagement, and institutional sustainability. Representing Moomken, Mr. Malik Elkebir shared insights into the organization’s internal governance, funding models, and capacity-building approaches. Moomken also extended an open invitation to host the other organizations in Tripoli for further learning exchanges—demonstrating the project’s spirit of collaboration. Discussions highlighted the importance of financial sustainability beyond donor dependency, networking, and skills development. All participants reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing cooperation.
The fourth exchange, linked We Love Kairouan, a Tunisian NGO promoting youth participation and environmental awareness, with Libyan CSOs Nabed and Amazonat. The dialogue centered on civic engagement, women’s leadership, and local development. Nabed shared its ongoing efforts to revitalize the image of Derna following last year’s flood, echoing We Love Kairouan’s focus on community renewal. Amazonat emphasized women’s empowerment in science, culture, and governance—illustrating the diverse yet aligned missions of Libyan and Tunisian organizations. The session concluded with shared interest in future joint initiatives on youth leadership, women’s empowerment, and storytelling for social change.
Finally, a dynamic exchange brought together Lebanon’s NAHNOO, led by founder Mr. Mohammad Ayoub, and two Libyan organizations—Libyan Debate Club (LDC) and Perpetual Peace Foundation (PPF). The discussion focused on financial sustainability beyond donor dependency and strategic networking for shared programming. Mr. Ayoub shared NAHNOO’s experience in developing community-based funding models and local partnerships, inspiring participants to consider alternative approaches rooted in local ownership and collaboration. LDC and PPF contributed valuable perspectives from the Libyan context, reflecting on similar challenges of resource scarcity and limited networking opportunities. Participants described the session as inspiring and insightful, emphasizing how it opened new perspectives for sustainability and future cooperation.
Through initiatives like YCDPJ, the European Union reaffirms its support for a vibrant, connected, and resilient civil society in Libya, capable of learning from and contributing to regional experiences. By facilitating digital exchanges and cross-border collaboration, the EU continues to invest in the long-term stability, inclusion, and development of Libya and the wider region.