The UNDP reported yesterday that at a signing ceremony South Korea pledged to increase its contribution to the Libyan Korean Centre (LKC) in Tripoli, under the Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation, to enable the centre to become a unique advanced vocational training centre for professions supporting reconstruction and economic resilience.
The new US$ 400,000 contribution raises the support from the Republic of Korea to the UNDP to US$ 6,599,000. The funds are aimed at supporting local peacebuilding in the west of the country.
Green technical innovation hub
With this new contribution, the UNDP said it aims to transform the LKC into a technical innovation hub focusing on green job opportunities.
During the signing ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative, Marc-André Franche said:
“We are delighted to continue this partnership with the Republic of Korea in Libya to help create green job opportunities in the west that will definitely contribute to peaceful coexistence in the region. With this new support, we will be able to enhance the centre’s capacity to help people develop innovative ideas towards sustainable development.”
Korean Ambassador to Libya, H.E. Lee Sang-Soo, reaffirmed the commitment of the Republic of Korea in its continuous support to Libya:
“Korea is always standing by the Libyan people in their efforts for peace, stability and prosperity. We are pleased to continue the support and hope it will contribute to the recovery, rehabilitation and capacity building of Libya.”
Intensive work plan for developing of the centre
With this support, the UNDP and LKC have jointly prepared an intensive work plan for the development of the centre. This was presented during the signing ceremony by the General Manager of LKC, Ezat Alyaqoubi, who said:
“In accordance with the strategic goals of our development plan, we have started to transform the Libyan Korean Centre from a merely technical and vocational education and training centre into a pivotal centre for technical training and innovation in Libya. For this, we are grateful for the continuous support from the Republic of Korea and UNDP.”
Career and Business Centre
UNDP has also provided the centre with equipment and materials to set up 14 training departments and is working to put in place a Career and Business Centre within the Libyan Korean Centre. Selected graduates will receive grants to make their business ideas a reality.
Cultivating culture of sustainable public transport
Furthermore, with funding from the Republic of Korea, the UNDP said that together with the Municipality of Janzour six customized city buses were provided for the public transportation fleet dedicated to the postgraduate students as a pilot project to commute approximately 720 students daily to/from universities. This pilot project is expected to cultivate the culture of public transport as a sustainable solution for city transportation problems and better living quality by reducing carbon emissions.
