FUND's Chairman Message

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In alignment with the strategic vision of the Fund for Development & Reconstruction Libya, which is centered on building strong international partnerships that support Libya’s reconstruction and drive sustainable development, we are pleased to announce the convening of the Second Libya–U.S. Forum for Development and Reconstruction in Benghazi on February 7, 2026.

This milestone reflects Libya’s commitment to advancing its economic cooperation with the United States and ushering in a more mature and effective phase of joint development efforts.

The First Forum, held in Washington, D.C. in April 2025, represented a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral cooperation. It established a solid foundation for strategic dialogue and opened broad opportunities for partnerships between American companies and Libyan institutions, laying the groundwork for the implementation of high-priority national projects.

Hosting the second edition in Benghazi, Libya’s economic capital and a city undergoing profound transformation, embodies the Fund’s efforts to rebuild Libyan cities on modern foundations and to expand international partnerships capable of contributing to infrastructure development and key economic sectors.
Accordingly, this forum marks a greater and more impactful launch for advancing joint strategic projects.

We are also pleased to highlight that the timing of this forum coincides with two major national events that represent significant outcomes of the Fund’s strategic work in Benghazi.
On February 6, the city will celebrate the reopening of Benghazi University, a historic academic institution that the Fund has completely rebuilt after its total destruction, restoring it as a modern center of knowledge and innovation, reconstructed and rehabilitated to the highest engineering and quality standards. We are honored to welcome U.S. companies and delegations as distinguished guests at this landmark ceremony.

From February 8 to 10, Benghazi will host the Global Competitive Initiative Conference and Exhibition for the Urban Planning of Benghazi City—a flagship initiative emerging from the Fund’s vision to modernize urban development and enhance the city’s competitiveness regionally and internationally. This event presents an exceptional opportunity for American companies specializing in reconstruction, project management, and urban planning to contribute directly to shaping the future of Benghazi.

Thus, the month of February will bring together three interconnected strategic events, offering U.S. partners a unique opportunity to witness Libya’s transformation firsthand and to engage in impactful initiatives that lie at the heart of the Fund’s vision for a modern, forward-looking Libya.

We highly value the vital role of American companies and believe that their advanced expertise can bring substantial value to Libya’s reconstruction and development programs. For our part, the Fund remains committed to providing a professional, transparent, and enabling environment that supports successful partnerships and ensures tangible results aligned with international best practices.

This forum will serve as a platform to deepen cooperation in key sectors, including:
Infrastructure, Energy, Telecommunications, Healthcare, Education, Technology, Finance, Industry, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy, in addition to major opportunities in urban planning and city development.

The Fund’s vision is rooted in comprehensive development, openness to trusted international partners, and the creation of a sustainable economic environment capable of propelling Libya toward a more prosperous future. The convergence of these three major events in February marks a defining moment in the reconstruction of Benghazi and the strengthening of its position as a revitalized economic center.

We look forward to welcoming you in Benghazi and to your participation in this strategic phase of Libya’s reconstruction journey.

Together, we move toward greater success and a brighter future

Eng. Belkasem Khalifa Hifter

Chairman of the Fund for Development &Reconstruction of Libya (FDRL)