TRIPOLI – To ensure, that the voices of Libyan youth are heard in the political process, UNSMIL launched today a digital youth platform for Libyan-based youth aged 18-35 who wish to add their voices to the Structured Dialogue.

Through the digital youth platform, the Mission intends to ensure that as many young people as possible across the country can be engaged in the process, to complement and support those youth members who will be included in the Structured Dialogue. 

Members of the platform will have an opportunity to express their views and perspectives on key issues being discussed in the dialogue and share them with their representatives in the Structured Dialogue, and ensuring that youth voices from across the country are heard in the political process.

“Libyan youth are not just the future of the country; they are the present,” said Special Representative of the Secretary General, Hanna Tetteh. “They are the ones most adversely affected by the ongoing political crisis and the ones who have the most to gain from a peaceful transition where they get to elect the leaders of their choice.”

The Structure Dialogue has limited membership. Through the digital youth forum, the Mission intends to ensure that as many young people as possible across the country can be engaged in the process, even if they are not nominated to be in the dialogue meetings.

Through the forum, youth can help to hold their representatives to account, increase their knowledge on key subject areas, and put forward their ideas to be included in the discussion by youth representatives and members of the Structured Dialogue.

“We encourage all young people across Libya to join the platform in their individual capacities and engage in the political process. Youth want their voices to be heard by the leaders of Libya, and this is their chance. UNSMIL will continue its work to support youth, and young women in particular, to ensure they are at the centre of political process,” added SRSG Tetteh.

Youth can find out more about the Structured Dialogue on the information pages on the Mission’s website. Those joining the digital youth forum must be aged 18-35 and agree to a code of conduct including interacting with all contributions with respect and prioritizing the common interests of the Libyan people.