The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Centre of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Tripoli, has launched the Innovation Summer Season, a two-week programme designed to engage Libyan students on key issues of sustainability, climate action, and urban resilience. The event, which begins today and runs until 31 August, will take place at Tripoli University.
According to the organisers, the programme will provide a mix of workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions that allow students to explore innovative solutions to pressing global and local challenges. The initiative aims to empower young people to think critically about climate change, resource management, and sustainable development, while also connecting them with experts, academics, and stakeholders.
The UNDP said the Innovation Summer Season is not only about academic discussions but also about stimulating practical thinking. It offers students opportunities to design ideas that can be applied to real challenges facing Libyan communities, particularly in urban areas where resilience and adaptation are urgently needed.
“This is a platform for the youth to reimagine solutions that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the UNDP said in its announcement. “By integrating sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship, we are preparing a new generation of leaders who can drive Libya’s development forward.”
Participants will be introduced to topics such as renewable energy, sustainable urban planning, waste management, green entrepreneurship, and climate resilience strategies. The aim is to encourage creative and practical approaches that not only respond to Libya’s immediate challenges but also build long-term capacity for development.
The collaboration with the University of Tripoli reflects a broader strategy to anchor innovation in Libya’s higher education system. By engaging university students directly, the programme seeks to embed sustainability thinking at an early stage, empowering graduates to become change-makers in both the private and public sectors.
Libya, like many countries in North Africa, faces growing environmental challenges, including water scarcity, urban sprawl, and the need to adapt to climate change impacts. Experts say that engaging youth in finding solutions is crucial, particularly as the country tries to stabilize its institutions and invest in future growth.
Officials at the University of Tripoli welcomed the partnership with UNDP, noting that it offers students an opportunity to connect classroom learning with practical, real-world applications. The Centre of Entrepreneurship and Innovation said it hopes the programme will strengthen the culture of research, creativity, and problem-solving among Libyan youth.
The workshops will also create networking opportunities between students, faculty, development partners, and private sector actors. Organisers believe this interactive approach will build stronger partnerships and generate innovative ideas that can be scaled beyond the university environment.
The Innovation Summer Season comes at a time when international development partners are intensifying support for Libyan institutions to align with global sustainability frameworks. The event is expected to leave a lasting impact by equipping participants with the skills, networks, and knowledge to contribute to Libya’s transition towards a greener and more resilient economy.
