SEBHA – On 18-19 January, Sebha hosted the second stop of the nationwide EcoVision: Libya Youth Climate Challenge 2026, bringing together young innovators from across southern Libya with the United Nations Country Team, national institutions, and private sector partners to advance youth-led climate and environmental solutions.
Over the course of two days, shortlisted youth teams took part in intensive capacity-building sessions covering climate-focused business development, financial planning, impact measurement, and pitching skills. The programme culminated in team presentations delivered before a multi-sectoral jury.
At the conclusion of the event, three initiatives were awarded seed funding and continued mentorship to support the implementation and scaling of their ideas. The winning projects showcased practical climate adaptation and water security solutions, including an automated irrigation system that optimizes water use through soil sensors, agro-processing initiatives that strengthen climate resilience by enhancing local grain transformation and household-level food production, and a smart environmental safety system designed to detect gas and water leaks, reducing risks, protecting homes, and conserving scarce water resources.
One member of a winning team said, “Although the programme lasted only two days, it was one of the most impactful workshops I have ever taken part in, from the topics it addressed to the people we met and worked with. Opportunities like this are rare in the South.”
Another participant added, “It was a rich and valuable experience. We strengthened many entrepreneurial skills that will help us scale up our projects and ideas and showed that young people in Sebha can also contribute innovative solutions when given the right support.”
In line with pervious practice, teams that were not awarded seed funding will be connected with relevant United Nations entities in Libya to explore further mentorship, technical support, and potential funding opportunities.
Following Sebha, the EcoVision Youth Climate Challenge will conclude its nationwide series with its final stop in Tripoli on 25-26 January 2026.
