Tunis, 31 May 2016 - Thirty leading figures from southern Libyan, representing various national and local institutions, gathered yesterday in the Tunisia capital to attend a three-day round-table, from 30 May to 01 June, to discuss the region’s major challenges and the way forward. The round-table is organized by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and UN Development Programme (UNDP).

Addressing the opening session on Monday 30 May 2016, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and head of UNSMIL, Martin Kobler, said, “The south is very important geopolitically, and must play a key role in building Libya. A united Libya needs an important contribution from the south, because it was neglected in the past. The United Nations always stands behind those who feel marginalized.”

Deputy President of the Presidency Council Mr. Moussa Al-Kouni and Presidency Council member Abdulsalam Kajman also attended the opening session.