Tripoli, January 28, 2026 – The Libyan Youth Environmental Innovation Challenge 2026 concluded in Tripoli, marking the final stop of a national journey that started from Benghazi, passed through Sebha, and brought together innovative youth in the climate field from across Libya.
The competition, hosted by the Ministry of Environment, saw broad attendance including the Minister of Environment, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator, and representatives from diplomatic missions, private sector leaders, government, and the United Nations, embodying strong multilateral support for youth-led innovation and locally-driven solutions rooted in the Libyan context.
The competition followed a day of hands-on training, during which participants presented climate initiatives developed within the program’s framework.
Three youth initiatives were awarded initial funding, along with mentorship and technical support in partnership with Innovation Garden, strengthening a national pathway that enables Libyan youth to deliver practical climate solutions, build resilience, and support sustainable livelihoods.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator stated, “EcoVision does not end here. Rather, this is just the beginning of our shared commitment to youth leadership and climate action in Libya.”
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, historically founded in the 7th century BCE by the Phoenicians. It later became a significant Roman city and was subsequently ruled by a succession of powers, including the Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans, and Italians, which is reflected in its diverse architecture, such as the ancient Medina and the Red Castle.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history that includes ancient Phoenician and Greek settlements, most notably at Cyrene, and later Roman rule. It was part of the Ottoman Empire before Italian colonization in the early 20th century, gaining independence as a kingdom in 1951. The nation’s modern history was dominated by Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 civil war and his overthrow.
Benghazi
Benghazi is a major city in eastern Libya, historically significant as a key trade hub since ancient Greek times when it was founded as Euesperides. It later served as the capital of the Kingdom of Libya and was a focal point of the 2011 revolution.
Sebha
Sebha is a city in southwestern Libya that historically served as a major hub for trans-Saharan trade routes and the capital of the Fezzan region. It gained prominence under the Ottoman Empire and later became a significant center during the Italian colonial period in the early 20th century. Today, it remains an important administrative and economic center in Libya’s desert south.
Ministry of Environment
The Ministry of Environment is a government department responsible for developing and enforcing policies related to environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability. Such ministries were typically established in the late 20th century, often following landmark events like the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, as nations formally recognized the need for dedicated governmental oversight of ecological issues.
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It replaced the League of Nations and is headquartered in New York City, with 193 member states working on issues ranging from humanitarian aid to climate change.
Innovation Garden
The Innovation Garden is a modern cultural and technological hub designed to foster creativity and collaboration, often found within tech campuses or urban innovation districts. Its history is typically rooted in the late 20th and early 21st-century movements to create physical spaces that blend nature with cutting-edge research and development. These gardens serve as symbolic and functional centers for networking, prototyping, and showcasing advancements in science and design.
