Progress in sustainable energy lies at the heart of socioeconomic growth and sustainable development across the Arab region. Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all (Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7)) is a key condition for reducing inequalities, poverty eradication, advances in health and education, sustainable economic growth, and the principle of “leaving no one behind”, in addition to climate action. Mainstreaming sustainable energy also presents significant opportunities for achieving a greater gender balance in the Arab region, including through improved energy access for women, access to medical services and education, and job opportunities.

This paper presents a critical sociological and historical analysis of the Libyan crisis and its impact on Libyan society after 2011. In addition, it reviews and focuses on local strategies for survival and resistance. Four major arguments are made in the analysis of the Libyan crisis. First, that the persistent violence does not stem from cultural concepts such as fragmentation and tribalism but, rather, has been manufactured by the failed leadership and outside intervention.

To raise awareness on the importance of revitalizing livelihoods and communities through wise consumption by choosing products that promote land sustainability. To highlight the fact that our choices and decisions on what we eat, drink or wear impact the land we depend on, either positively, i.e. promote conservation, or negatively, i.e. promote overuse and degradation.

The present study is one of the three baseline studies conducted as part of the Libyan Socioeconomic Dialogue Project, which was launched with a view to developing a vision for future social and economic development in Libya, outlining options available to stakeholders in the political process and facilitating a national dialogue on socioeconomic development and good governance, with a particular focus on key sustainable development priorities.