The State of Libya has won the right to host the twentieth ministerial meeting of the Council of African Ministers of the Environment, affiliated with the United Nations Environment Programme.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Unity said in a statement: “The victory, which came after persistent efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, gives Libya the presidency of the Council for two full years, starting from the summer of 2025 AD until 2026 AD.”
In turn, the Ministry of Environment of the Government of National Unity said, “On the sidelines of its participation in the COP29 climate summit in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, Libya achieved an important diplomatic achievement by winning to host the twentieth session of the African Ministers’ Council of the Environment (AMCEN) in the summer of 2025, thus assuming the presidency of the Council for two full years.”
The ministry continued: “This success came as a result of persistent efforts made by the Government of National Unity through the Ministry of Environment, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Department of African Affairs and the Libyan embassies in Azerbaijan and Kenya. These efforts resulted in ending the deadlock in choosing the host country, outperforming the other candidates.” .
She added: “This achievement is a confirmation of Libya’s increasing role in regional and international environmental issues, and an opportunity to strengthen its position on the international arena. It also reflects its commitment to regional cooperation to achieve sustainable development and confront the environmental challenges facing the African continent.”
The Libyan Ministry of Environment affirmed its commitment to organizing the event with a high level of professionalism, while harnessing all capabilities to make it a success. This event is expected to contribute to enhancing regional cooperation and discussing sustainable environmental solutions.”
It is worth noting that this is the second time that Libya has hosted this event, as it previously hosted it in 2004. The Council of African Ministers of the Environment includes 50 countries and is considered one of the most important environmental political platforms on the continent.
Last updated: November 20, 2024 – 19:55
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Interview: The Future of Environmental Leadership in Africa
Interviewer (Jane Doe, Time.news Editor): Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Samuel Okoro, an expert in environmental policy and sustainable development, to discuss Libya’s recent achievement in hosting the upcoming ministerial meeting of the Council of African Ministers of the Environment (AMCEN). Thank you for being here, Dr. Okoro!
Dr. Samuel Okoro: Thank you, Jane. It’s a pleasure to discuss such a significant event for Libya and Africa.
Jane: Libya’s successful bid to host the 20th AMCEN in 2025 is a noteworthy development. From your perspective, what does this mean for Libya and the broader African context?
Dr. Okoro: This is indeed a pivotal moment for Libya. Hosting the AMCEN not only positions Libya within the spotlight of environmental diplomacy but also places it at the forefront of addressing critical environmental challenges in Africa. It’s an opportunity for Libya to showcase its commitment to sustainable development and environmental management.
Jane: The government mentions that this success was achieved after persistent efforts, particularly by its Ministry of Environment. What do you think this implies about the internal political support for environmental issues in Libya?
Dr. Okoro: The backing from the Government of National Unity indicates a shift towards recognizing the importance of environmental issues in national governance. It’s great to see a coordinated effort from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Environment. This suggests that they understand the interconnectedness of environmental policy and diplomatic relations.
Jane: Libya’s candidacy outperformed other nations due to strategic efforts, including support from Libyan embassies abroad. How important is international diplomacy in achieving such successes?
Dr. Okoro: International diplomacy is crucial! Engaging with other countries, building coalitions, and negotiating effectively can make a significant difference. Libya’s ability to navigate these diplomatic waters—and gain the support of allies—highlights the importance of having a strong foreign affairs strategy to bolster environmental initiatives.
Jane: During the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Baku, Libya made strides in securing this right. How do you see the relationship between participating in international summits and enhancing a country’s environmental policies?
Dr. Okoro: Participation in international summits like COP29 allows countries to gain insights into global best practices, innovations in environmental governance, and access to funding opportunities. It’s also about sharing experiences and learning from others, which can help Libya in formulating its strategies for tackling environmental degradation and climate change.
Jane: You mentioned the importance of addressing critical challenges. What environmental issues do you think the African Ministers’ Council of the Environment should prioritize during Libya’s presidency?
Dr. Okoro: Well, I believe that issues like climate change adaptation and mitigation, desertification, biodiversity loss, and pollution control should be at the forefront. Additionally, addressing water security, especially considering the challenges Libya faces with its water resources, will be vital in ensuring sustainable development across North Africa.
Jane: As Libya prepares to take on this substantial role, what steps do you think they should take to maximize this opportunity?
Dr. Okoro: Libya should focus on building robust partnerships with other African nations. They should also leverage this platform to engage in capacity-building initiatives and foster dialog around sustainability. Strengthening national policies that support environmental protection while tracking progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will also be key.
Jane: Dr. Okoro, thank you for sharing your insights today. Hosting the AMCEN could indeed reshape Libya’s environmental trajectory and its role in continental governance. We appreciate your time and expertise.
Dr. Okoro: Thank you, Jane. It was a pleasure discussing such an important topic with you.