- The UNDP, EU Delegation, and Libya’s Ministry of Oil and Gas launched the “Just and Sustainable Energy Transition” Conference to advance a greener, inclusive energy future.
- The two-day event unites government, industry, civil society, and youth to promote responsible business, environmental sustainability, and zero gas flaring by 2030.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union Delegation to Libya, in partnership with Libya’s Ministry of Oil and Gas, launched the “Just and Sustainable Energy Transition” Conference on Wednesday, September 24, under the EU-funded Support to Energy Transition and Climate Change Mitigation in Libya project.
The two-day high-level event brings together government institutions, international and national oil companies, civil society, academia, and youth ambassadors to foster dialogue on aligning Libya’s development with global standards on environmental sustainability, responsible business practices, and human rights. The conference also builds momentum from Libya’s first Business and Human Rights conference held in June.
“This conference marks a milestone for Libya’s energy future,” said Dr Khalifa Abdulsadiq, Minister of Oil and Gas. “It brings partners together to shape a balanced transition that ensures energy security, drives sustainable development, and advances our goal of zero gas flaring by 2030.”
Meanwhile, Nicola Orlando, Ambassador of the European Union to Libya, highlighted Libya’s commitment to a greener economy: “The energy sector is at the centre of EU-Libya relations. Today’s conference represents a concrete step in advancing responsible business practices and environmental sustainability. Through our partnership with UNDP, we aim to create the conditions for a just energy transition that benefits all Libyans.”
The conference focuses on strengthening national awareness of international legal and policy frameworks, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. Participants also explored how environmental and human rights due diligence can be applied across the energy value chain, and how public-private partnerships and institutional reforms can support inclusive, sustainable development.
In addition, a central feature of the event is the launch of the “Energy Expo,” which showcases Libyan-led innovations, community-driven climate solutions, and best practices from across the country. Sophie Kemkhadze, UNDP Resident Representative in Libya, said, “Supporting Libya’s transition to a green and sustainable economy requires corporate responsibility, national ownership, and international collaboration. This conference advances a people-centred approach that balances environmental protection with equitable growth.”
The conference also integrates the Energy JEEL Initiative, a youth-led grassroots campaign supported by the Ministry of Oil and Gas and the National Oil Corporation. With over 900 trained ambassadors, the initiative engages local communities on environmental protection, climate change, and corporate accountability.
UNDP implements the initiative under the EU-funded project, building on prior efforts to advance the Business and Human Rights agenda in Libya. These initiatives strengthen national capacities, engage communities, and lay the foundation for a just energy transition grounded in sustainability, human rights, and inclusive governance.