The “Input Meeting and Knowledge Exchange on SDGs” was held digitally over two days, from July 31st to August 1st, 2024, and brought together a total of 54 participants. The meeting involved faculty members, experts, and students from Justus Liebig University Giessen and four Libyan partner universities—University of Tripoli, University of Benghazi, University of Zawia, and Sabratha University. In addition, external SDG specialists contributed valuable perspectives to the discussions.
The main aim of this meeting was to facilitate knowledge exchange on the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into geographical education and research in Libya. This initiative is part of a broader project focused on aligning Libyan higher education with global sustainable development frameworks, with particular attention to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Over the course of the two days, 10 presentations were delivered, each focusing on different aspects of sustainability and development challenges in Libya.
Categorization of Presentations:
- Environmental Conservation and Climate Change:
o Presentations in this category focused on the preservation of natural resources, the impact of climate change on Libya’s ecosystems, and risk perception and management in the face of environmental threats. Case studies explored key issues such as soil erosion and illegal trade of environmental resources, with an emphasis on the need for proactive climate adaptation strategies. - Sustainable Urban Development:
o This theme centered on creating sustainable and resilient cities in Libya. Presentations highlighted urban planning efforts, sustainable housing models (such as the example of Ghadames), and approaches to building cities that can withstand the effects of climate change. These discussions underscored the importance of tailoring urban development goals to Libya’s arid landscape. - Education and Capacity Building:
o Several presentations emphasized the role of education in achieving sustainable development, with a focus on developing and integrating SDG-based curricula in geography and other disciplines. Presenters discussed best practices in higher education and showcased successful examples of SDG-focused academic programs from international universities. - Women’s Empowerment and Social Inclusion:
o A key highlight was the exploration of gender equality and women’s empowerment through sustainable tourism and other initiatives. This discussion linked directly to SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and presenters illustrated how empowering women can contribute to broader sustainable development efforts.
The meeting also provided opportunities for structured discussions and the gathering of insights from participants. These discussions aimed to identify key challenges, opportunities, and priorities for the successful implementation of SDG-related initiatives in Libyan universities.
This event marked an important milestone in the project, as it fostered a collaborative space for participants to share experiences, explore innovative solutions, and align their efforts toward achieving sustainability goals in Libya.