The Security Institutions Division of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) today initiated a discussion seminar in Benghazi. This seminar attracted a group of representatives from active civil society organizations and active youth, with the aim of deliberating on the role they can play in enhancing efforts to develop the security sector and consolidate the foundations of sustainable social peace in the country.
The activities of the seminar, which fall within the Mission’s initiatives aimed at promoting constructive community interaction, addressed a range of core issues related to building bridges of trust between various parties and achieving the desired stability. Successful international models in this field were also reviewed during the seminar, with utmost importance given to analyzing these experiences while considering the Libyan context.
On another level, participants exchanged views and discussed the fundamental principles that should underpin the process of developing the security sector in Libya, as well as the challenges and obstacles that may hinder the progress of this development. Special emphasis was placed on the dynamic and active roles that civil society organizations and youth can adopt and contribute to achieving the desired goals in this area. In a related context, UNSMIL was keen during the seminar’s activities to highlight its pioneering “Youth Participate” program, implemented by its Public Information and Communication Section. This ambitious program aims to effectively integrate youth into decision-making processes and the implementation of tangible community initiatives with a direct positive impact on the ground.