EU Kicks Off New Phase of "Youth-Centered Dialogue for Peace and Justice in Libya"
Benghazi, Libya — 19 August 2025 — The European Union (EU) has officially launched the civil society component of the two-year initiative, Youth-Centered Dialogue for Peace and Justice in Libya, implemented by CESVI in partnership with Tatweer Research. The component and the overall project seek to empower Libyan civil society organizations (CSOs) to play a stronger role in advancing peace, justice, and inclusive development across the country.
Since 2011, Libyan CSOs have been at the forefront of addressing community needs despite operating in a context of political uncertainty and economic hardship. However, they continue to face systemic challenges such as limited funding, donor dependency, and a lack of visibility and recognition. This new EU-funded initiative aims to tackle these barriers by investing in organizational capacity, fostering strategic partnerships, and promoting meaningful youth participation.
Scope and Activities: Over the coming months, the project will support twelve selected CSOs through tailored organizational development plans based on comprehensive needs assessments to strengthen governance, financial sustainability, and inclusivity, with a particular focus on increasing women's participation in leadership roles.
Capacity Building and Peer Learning: CSOs will benefit from targeted training sessions and workshops on financial management, social enterprise development, and innovative practices such as the responsible use of artificial intelligence. A structured peer-exchange program will connect Libyan organizations with regional and international counterparts to encourage reverse mentorship and knowledge sharing.
Visibility and Storytelling: The initiative will empower CSOs to tackle misconceptions about civil society through interactive storytelling-based media that showcases their local impact and highlights their role in fostering peace, justice, and social cohesion.
Performance Incentives and Networking: A CSO performance competition will reward excellence and encourage best practices. The initiative will culminate in a CSO-Private-Public Sector networking event, creating opportunities for new funding streams and cross-sector partnerships, with at least 50% of initiatives led by women.
Financial Support for Grassroots Action: In addition to capacity-building, the EU and CESVI will provide sub-grants of up to EUR 10,000 to each CSO through Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP). These grants will enable organizations to implement projects promoting the social inclusion of women, youth, and children, create safe spaces for learning and dialogue, and support economic empowerment programs for marginalized groups.
Promoting Youth and Justice: By engaging youth and amplifying the voices of CSOs, the project seeks to challenge misconceptions, foster trust, and strengthen social cohesion. It will provide a platform for young Libyans to actively participate in shaping their communities and contribute to national reconciliation and justice efforts.
"This initiative is a step forward in enabling Libyan youth and civil society to become drivers of peace and inclusive development. CESVI remains committed to supporting the resilience of local communities and strengthening civic actors across Libya," said Mohamed Zawawa, CESVI's Project Manager.
"Through tailored mentorship, peer exchange, and enhanced visibility, this initiative will empower Libyan CSOs to become more effective and sustainable in their missions," added Noran Elarbi, Tatweer Research's Project Manager.
About the Partners: The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by CESVI, an international NGO with extensive experience in sustainable development and humanitarian programming, in partnership with Tatweer Research, a Libyan company dedicated to innovation, education, and sustainable development.