Libya: UN to start structured dialogue
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) announced on December 13 that it has finalized the membership of a nationwide “Structured Dialogue,” a key component of the UN-backed political roadmap aimed at advancing Libya’s stalled political process, as reported by The Libya Observer.
The dialogue is intended to broaden participation in shaping the country’s future and to produce recommendations on elections, governance, and conflict resolution.
In a statement, UNSMIL said the Structured Dialogue represents one of three central pillars of the UN-facilitated framework and will convene over a two-day period beginning on December 14. The initiative is designed to bring voices from across Libyan society into discussions on the country’s most pressing political and institutional challenges.
According to UNSMIL, the dialogue will focus on developing actionable proposals to help establish conditions for holding elections, address urgent public policy and governance issues, and tackle the underlying causes of conflict and long-standing grievances. The mission said the ultimate objective is to foster national consensus around a shared vision for a unified Libya.
The UN mission emphasized that inclusivity was a guiding principle throughout the selection process. Nominations were solicited from a wide range of actors, including municipalities, political parties, universities, technical and security institutions, cultural groups, and specialized organizations. More than 1,000 individuals from across Libya responded to the call.
Most participants were chosen from those nominees, while additional experts were appointed to ensure balance, representation, and the necessary technical expertise. UNSMIL stated that all selections were made using strict and objective criteria.
Those criteria included a requirement for candidates to have no record of involvement in human rights violations, corruption, or the incitement of hate speech. Participants were also required to demonstrate expertise in at least one of five thematic tracks: governance, the economy, security, national reconciliation, or human rights.
UNSMIL added that credibility, the ability to build constructive communication, and a commitment to prioritizing the national interest were essential qualities sought in dialogue members.
The Structured Dialogue forms part of a broader UN political roadmap for Libya that has emphasized inclusive participation and a path toward elections, amid continued concern over the country’s stalled transitional process. UNSMIL has indicated that the dialogue’s outcomes are expected to complement other consultation efforts aimed at rebuilding consensus and advancing a unified political path forward.
The Libya Observer, Maghrebi.org
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