Tunis Hosts Mediterranean Conference to Support Sustainable Development in Libya

Destroyed and damaged buildings are seen in Sabri, a central Benghazi district, Libya, (File Photo: Reuters)
Destroyed and damaged buildings are seen in Sabri, a central Benghazi district, Libya, (File Photo: Reuters)
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Tunis Hosts Mediterranean Conference to Support Sustainable Development in Libya

Destroyed and damaged buildings are seen in Sabri, a central Benghazi district, Libya, (File Photo: Reuters)
Destroyed and damaged buildings are seen in Sabri, a central Benghazi district, Libya, (File Photo: Reuters)

An international conference on sustainable development in Libya kicked off Monday in the Tunisian capital with the participation of experts from Mediterranean countries, France and Malaysia.

The three-day conference is expected to discuss the importance of the private sector to achieve the goals of sustainable development 2030, a member of the High Commission for Sustainable Development at the Libyan National Planning Council, Yaseen Abu Saryoul, told the Tunisian news agency.

“This conference is the first of its kind, and it discusses the role of the private sector in achieving sustainable development goals in Tunisia and Libya. It also addresses significant topics, such as the importance of applied scientific research, and organizing working sessions between the private sector and the public sector, as well as a forum for young entrepreneurs,” he said.

Abu Saryoul noted that the conference also highlights the role of the private sector in innovative projects, and digital transformation programs through effective communication with experts, academics, and public sector institutions.

The International Mediterranean Conference on the Role of the Private Sector in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Libya was initiated by the Libyan National Planning Council with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

It is attended by experts from the universities of Sebha in Libya and Al Munstir in Tunisia, in addition to a number of ministry representatives and the Libyan Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.

Analysts expect the conference to assist Libya in reconstruction efforts, almost 10 years since the uprising that ousted long-time leader Moammar Gadhafi.

Among other things, the conference will discuss the private sector and sustainable development, the dimensions of sustainable development, the private sector and investment in information networks and communications, the applicable mechanisms of enhancing inter-trade, the legislative reform and finally the investment by the private sector on green energy.



Hamas Rejects Trump Remarks on Gaza Talks Breakdown

Members of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, at the Al-Nuseirat Camp, central Gaza, on February 22. (EPA)
Members of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, at the Al-Nuseirat Camp, central Gaza, on February 22. (EPA)
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Hamas Rejects Trump Remarks on Gaza Talks Breakdown

Members of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, at the Al-Nuseirat Camp, central Gaza, on February 22. (EPA)
Members of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, at the Al-Nuseirat Camp, central Gaza, on February 22. (EPA)

Hamas officials expressed surprise on Saturday at US President Donald Trump's accusation that the group "didn't really want" a ceasefire and hostage release deal for Gaza.

Trump made the allegation of Friday a day after Israel and the United States quit indirect negotiations with Hamas in Qatar that had lasted nearly three weeks.

"Trump's remarks are particularly surprising, especially as they come at a time when progress had been made on some of the negotiation files," Hamas official Taher al-Nunu told AFP.

"So far, we have not been informed of any issues regarding the files under discussion in the indirect ceasefire negotiations", he added

Nunu, who is close to Hamas's most senior political officials, said he was "surprised" that Israel and the United States had left the talks.

Announcing the recall of US mediators on Thursday, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of not "acting in good faith".

Though not part of the Hamas negotiating team, Hamas politburo member Izzat al-Rishq insisted the group had shown "flexibility" in the talks.

"The American statements deliberately ignore the real obstructionist to all agreements, Netanyahu's government, which continues to put obstacles, deceive and evade commitments," he said.

Both Hamas officials called on the United States to be more even-handed in its role as mediator in the quest for a ceasefire after more than 21 months of fighting.

"We call for an end to the US bias in favour of Netanyahu, who is obstructing any agreement", Nunu said.