Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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In a youth consultation with young women from across Libya on Sunday, UNSMIL discussed the recommendations of the Advisory Committee (AC) and what they wanted to see as the future political direction of the country. 

The twenty-six young women, from the east, south and west of the country are part of the UN in Libya’s Ra’idat programme, which focuses on developing the young women in leadership, communications, teamwork and advocacy skills. 

“The Advisory Committee provided options that have not been seriously considered before,” said one participant. “Its first recommendation — to hold simultaneous elections after unifying the government and adjusting presidential candidacy criteria — could be Libya’s last real chance for political stability. If this effort fails, I fear there may be no meaningful opportunity for change anytime soon.” 

Participants shared their concerns about the feasibility of the recommendations and the different challenges posed by the options. They highlighted the importance of youth voices being included in the political process. 

“Whatever direction is taken regarding the AC options, it’s essential that the process is transparent and inclusive—especially when it comes to youth participation,” said another participant. “Young people have long been excluded from key decision-making spaces, yet they are among those most invested in Libya’s future. A credible political process should open the door for fresh perspectives and meaningful engagement from the new generation.”  

Discussing which of the options they preferred, many felt that option four would give Libyans more of a say in the process, but they felt it had to take into consideration a strict timeline, an accountability framework, and anti-corruption mechanisms. 

UNSMIL published the Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s Report in May, including its four proposed options to move the political process forward. 

It also launched a public consultation and survey  to ask people to put forward their recommendations and ideas and decided which of these options they would prefer:  

1. Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously;  

2. Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution;  

3. Adopting a permanent constitution before elections; or  

4. Establishing a political dialogue committee, based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalize electoral laws, executive authority and permanent constitution.   

More information on the youth consultations and how to get involved can be found here.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

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“Effective prisoner rehabilitation remains one of the biggest concerns for us and our national prisons counterparts in South Sudan,” reveals Barbrah Nyamasoka.

Barbrah is a corrections advisor with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

“With increasing conflict, insecurity and economic instability, we decided that boosting year-round farming in prisons would not only upskill inmates, aiding their eventual reintegration into society upon completion of their sentences, but also contribute to reducing food insecurity,” she added.

Pibor Prison is one such correctional facility which has embraced this concept of ‘green corrections.’

Here, inmates are responsible for farming two hectares of land within the prison, divided into a rice field on one side and vegetables on the other.

“Prisoners are now gainfully occupied learning agricultural skills and producing nutritious food,” explained Captain Amos Konyi, the coordinator of Pibor Prison.

“We now also grow vegetables such as okra, sukuma wiki (collard greens), and many more,” he added.

Captain Konyi’s pride in this initiative was validated by Peter Guzulu Maze, Chief Administrator, Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) who toured this innovative and environmentally friendly corrections initiative.

“Upholding the rule of law and security goes hand in hand with ensuring prisoners are given the tools they need to reintegrate into society,” said Chief Administrator Maze. “I am impressed with what I have seen here and commend inmates and prison management for actioning this successful initiative. For my part, I reiterate my ongoing commitment to improving conditions in our prisons,” he added.

Mr Maze was accompanied by representatives from the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Rule of Law and Security Institutions Section (RoLSIS), who have worked with partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as well as nongovernmental organizations to action this project become self-sufficient.

“We keep visiting to make sure the project is running smoothly, that inmate-farmers are correctly using the solar-powered irrigation system given by our colleagues at FAO, and, that overall prison conditions are improving,” explained Barbrah.

From improved infrastructure to hands-on rehabilitation, this marks a renewed focus on dignity and development in South Sudan’s correctional system.

“This farm helps us produce food, gives us the physical exercise we need, but above all, gives us hope for rebuilding our lives once we finish our sentences,” says Jakor Kuron, an inmate.

For Mary Gazulu, this small initiative with a big impact gives her space to have a dream.

“When I am finally released, I’m going to teach my children how to grow rice in the rich land of Pibor,” she smiles.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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At the #USAfricaSummit2025 in Luanda, AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to a bold & equal partnership with the United States, stating, “We’re not seeking aid, but building co-created solutions.”

He noted that with 1.3 billion people, abundant resources, & a surge in innovation, Africa is poised for transformative growth. From agribusiness in West Africa to fintech in East Africa, the AU is supporting private sector-led development across all regions.

He also underscored that strategic sectors such as manufacturing, digital, energy, & agro-industry, are open for U.S. investment. The AU’s Private Sector Forum, SME and startup legislation, & its Digital Strategy are laying the groundwork for inclusive, sustainable prosperity.

He concluded by saying “this should not just be a summit, but a call to action,” he said. “Together, let’s walk the pathways to prosperity—with unity, purpose, & Agenda 2063 as our guide.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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Around one hundred young people, including thirty-seven women from Kinshasa’s four districts, took part on 14 June in a series of activities aimed at promoting peace, security, and tackling disinformation. The initiative was supported by MONUSCO’s Civil Affairs Section, in partnership with the National Technical Secretariat for Resolution 2250 and civil society.

This gathering marked the conclusion of a process launched in 2022 to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2250, which recognizes the essential contribution of youth to peacebuilding.

“This initiative followed a call from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Bintou Keita, who encouraged all MONUSCO sections to intensify efforts around Resolution 2250.” explained Phil Wani, Civil Affairs Officer.

Discussions focused on the link between economic empowerment and peace. Job creation was highlighted as key to preventing youth from joining armed groups. “We introduced a coaching component to provide participants with practical skills to develop sustainable projects, some of the proposals are already ready for funding.” Wani added.

The National Technical Secretariat emphasized the importance of proximity-based and inclusive approaches. “Beyond technical guidance, we ensured coordination, the aim is to enable genuine and inclusive youth participation in the resolution’s implementation.” said Anna Jacquie, national coordinator.

Participants expressed appreciation for being heard on an issue where youth perspectives are often overlooked. “As a young person, I felt heard, there’s support and follow-up, which motivates me, too often, youth are unfairly associated with misconduct.” shared Acacia.

Artists were also inspired. “We were shown how to verify online information, it made me want to launch awareness projects in my community.” said musician and writer Antonio Lufyaulusu.

This initiative reflects MONUSCO’s commitment to strengthening the role of young people in peace efforts in the DRC by highlighting their ideas and encouraging long-term engagement.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).