(by Vanessa Tomassini) Hammamet, 5 March 2020 - In the splendid setting of the Laico Hotel in Hammamet, Tunisia, over one hundred young people from all the Libyan cities of the east, west and south of the North African country gathered under the umbrella of the initiative 'Libyan Youth Conference for Peace and Construction'. The conference was a meeting time to talk about peace and address the issues that prevent the achievement of stability, much needed for the construction of the state.
Far from political conflict, the young Libyans from Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata, Agedabia, Zuara, Bint Biya, al-Beida, Bani Walid, Msallata, Tawergha, Ghat, Sabha, Aubari and other cities, focused on shared problems, the needs and aspirations from all points of view, from social, humanitarian and security. The dialogue was characterized by a constructive and mature spirit which highlighted how Libyans are involved in a conflict that does not belong to them.
"What brings us together here today is the recovery of the dream of the Libyan youth, which is based on complete transparency, taking into consideration that we have been created different to complement each other. We were created as a people and tribe to get to know each other, as mentioned in the holy Qur'an". Said the conference chairman, Ahmed al-Khatib, during his opening speech, before explaining the purpose of the initiative: "send the world a message of love and peace, with which we affirm our will and determination, to guide us towards a better future for Libya and its young people".
The debate highlighted the shared need for real change, a desire to live together peacefully which is concretely feasible. "The conflict concerns only politicians, not ordinary people", he has declared Bashir Sheik, head of the organization 'The anger of the Fezzan'. There was no lack of moments of discussion about the current situation: "Despite the differences, we can sit down, talk and solve our problems on our own. We give the example to all politicians and different classes within Libya that we are able to dialogue, we are a true message of peace in Libya and in the world". Said one of the participants.
The conference made it a priority to build a future that respects the rights of young men and women, as well as their dignity. The importance of preserving the integrity and uniqueness of Libya, one and one for all, was confirmed as well as the need for national policies that protect young people from all forms of discrimination and exclusion that generate feelings of frustration and that the economic and social program includes provisions on the health and emancipation of the young. The Libyan Youth Conference for Peace and Construction concluded with an anti-corruption panel.