There’s no question about it, this is a difficult time for Libya, and the pace of change can seem overwhelming. Yet in the midst of today’s turmoil, it is important to also ensure that we continue to build the institutions and networks to ensure tomorrow’s leaders can succeed. We can’t lose sight of the next generation as we face the challenges of today, so I am especially pleased that we can continue this effort here today.
As you all on the Task Force begin your work, I’d like to make a few observations and share my thoughts on how we can make the most of the opportunities available to our young people. First of all, let’s collaboratively focus on identifying challenges and opportunities, and then think creatively about how we can improve our higher education ties.
Second, let’s make this engagement a dialogue. We have already identified some areas where we can work together more closely, and we have some areas where new developments may mitigate some of the challenges we face. I’m thinking in particular about visas and our plan to open a consular section in Libya very soon so that students and faculty won’t need to go outside of Libya to apply – they’ll be able to do that in Tripoli. And we hope to improve our capacity to provide education advising in the near future, too. As we move forward in cementing this partnership, we need to make sure that the channels of communication remain open.
Finally, we need to find practical and concrete ways to open up opportunities – by working together to increase the numbers of students and faculty participating in exchanges, and by finding partners to help administer exchanges and scholarship funds and support students and faculty.
We hope that your visit and the program we’ve put together for you and your team, will, help get those balls rolling.
Libya needs an education system that meets the needs of students and employers – now and in the future. Working together we can build the institutions and networks, the contacts and partnerships that will ensure Libya can tap into the potential of its future leaders. Both Libya and the United States benefit from improved educational ties. This Task Force, focused on real and new ways to improve those ties, is an important knot in the overall tapestry that is the new Libya.
(Source: Embassy of the United States)
