Libya continues to face major challenges in its transition to democratic rule in the aftermath of the 2011 revolution. The “Stabilization Facility for Libya” implemented by UNDP, is a vehicle to support the efforts of Libya to bridge the critical period of transition from the initial period of humanitarian relief towards mid- and long-term structural and sector-specific support. The interventions were designed to strengthen national unity and reinforce state authorities for all Libyans through the support of three activities sets, each with a dedicated output:

• Output 1: Basic services and light infrastructure restored
• Output 2: Immediate capacity support for municipalities and local partners
• Output 3: Local peace structures and conflict management capacity

Since 2020, UNITAR is supporting UNDP in the delivery of Output 3 activities on Local Peace Structures and Conflict Management Capacity to drive the SFL’s engagement in Libya through support for local stability.

To be considered for the grant, CSOs should have followed the trainings provided by UNITAR, be pre-selected by UNDP as eligible, and present a proposal where they detailed the context, objective, justification, methodology of their project and a Result-based Work Plan.

In the framework of the first Low-Value Grant, once the CSOs have been selected by UNDP, they started implementing activities before reporting back to UNDP. More concretely, the selected CSOs were expected to present a conflict analysis report. This included:

• Develop data collection instruments that fit adequately with the conflict analysis tools that can be used in the targeted cities 
• Conduct an in-depth participatory conflict analysis on the local level
• Ensure conflict sensitivity and gender sensitivity in the planning and implementation phases of the conflict analysis, especially the inclusion of women’s voices throughout the process
• Incorporate the voices of the marginalized groups (e.g. young people, women, residents from minority tribes) throughout the conflict analysis phases and allocate the needed mechanisms to include their perspectives

In such framework, UNITAR provided coaching sessions on proposal writing, plan implementation, and reporting to assist participants throughout the program.

The second Low-Value grant is focused on supporting community-based dialogue and mediation to facilitate the implementation of social cohesion initiative. The same conditions of eligibility as Grant 1 were applied to Grant 2.

We focus on a highly interactive learning-by-doing approach using case studies derived from recent Libyan and regional experience. The design process of each training workshop is based on three pillars:

• Interactivity, collaboration and participation: all the training workshops and coaching and mentoring sessions aim to involve participants actively, by encouraging questions and active participation. UNITAR trainers and coaches use a diversity of online tools, videos and animations to engage participants throughout the sessions and facilitate their involvement.
• Action-learning: In addition to presenting conceptual topics and terms, the training workshops and coaching sessions are focused on ‘learning-by-doing’ approach that allows participants to acquire some of the necessary skills, competences, and tools. This included discussing case studies and applying learned concepts through scenarios while also presenting challenges faced in real-life situations. It draws on problem-solving situations through teamwork or individual learning in order to advance individual skills. 

• Networking: The online training workshops and group coaching sessions, as well as the face-to-face events provide an opportunity for CSOs to present their work amongst each other and as an initial step towards bridging the gap between service delivery and networking. This allows for the leveraging of participants’ experience, knowledge and personal resources by encouraging CSOs to present their work with beneficiaries. 

Participants shared their experience and work on the ground after the successful completion of UNITAR’s trainings.

“With the right qualifications we can reach our objectives, get closer to achieving social reconciliation and peace in our communities... Inshallah” - Khadidja, Asser Organization

“What we have learned on conflict analysis is relevant to our real-life issues. We have learnt a lot and are still learning.” - Aymen, Mizan

“Our trainings with UNITAR have helped us achieve considerable successes in conflict resolution” - Najet, Nana Marin

“UNITAR trainings have given me confidence in myself as a trainer”  - Anwar, National Organization for Libyan Youth