TRIPOLI – A group of fifteen young women and men joined mediation experts on Wednesday in a skills-building workshop on conflict resolution. During the discussions about what can cause disputes, participants indicated that self- interest among the major actors in Libya is the primary factor in the continuation of the Libyan crisis. 

The training session, organized as part of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya's #YouEngage programme, in cooperation with the Mission’s Women's Empowerment Section, focused on defining the causes of conflict and how to respond. 

"The training highlighted the role of the mediator in a clearer way,” said one female participant. “Through it, I was able to identify several instances in which my father played the role of mediator without his or, I believe, any of us realizing it,” she added. 

The session trainer discussed the concept of conflict and listed the five causes: including conflicts of interest, structural conflicts, value conflicts, relationship conflicts, and data conflicts. Participants highlighted that the Libyan crisis is fundamentally based on a conflict of interest among the various actors involved.  

Another female participant said: "In light of the conflict we are experiencing today, we are in dire need of proper mediation to help the conflicting parties reach an agreement acceptable to all. However, this is not possible given the pressure of incitement and the rejection of rational discussion."  

Participants engaged in group simulations of conflicts that could occur in their daily lives, including family disputes, and practiced mediation to build their skills in peaceful conflict resolution. During the simulation, they gained an understanding of the mediator's role in facilitating a win-win relationship when acting in good faith between conflicting parties.  

Since its launch in May 2024, the YouEngage programme has engaged with more than 1,000 young men and women from across Libya to discuss a range of topics.  

UNSMIL is currently preparing a report that reviews the ideas and recommendations of the young people who participated in the Mission's activities. This report aims to inform UNSMIL's youth-oriented strategies, promote inclusion, and amplify the voices of youth perspectives both nationally and internationally.