On the 8th-11th June, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Libya staff members and their families attended an office retreat in Djerba, Tunisia. The retreat was intended as an opportunity to refocus UNDP Libya?s strategy and priorities, as well as to gain office-wide insights into ways in which UNDP Libya can deliver programmes more efficiently and effectively.

The staff members attended a variety of learning sessions and workshops, on subjects such as UN Reform, contractual reform, HIV/AIDS in the workplace, greening the office and capacity building. The evenings provided an excellent opportunity for some valuable team bonding over dinner, whilst younger family members had no problems making friends at the pool.

The retreat also provided a chance to acknowledge the outstanding commitment exhibited by some UNDP staff members, and the last evening in Djerba closed with a prize ceremony. The prize for the Contagious Good Mood went to AbdulRahim Bannur, UNDP receptionist, for his positive working attitude. Sarah Edongali, a National Environment Officer, Sabah Gebali and Ayoub Ounallah, who make up the Finance Department, went home with the Project Award for their excellent performance over the past year. The Resident Representative?s award went to Sara Abusrewil from the RC office for her consistent professionalism and contribution to UNDP?s goals and mandate.

Despite a long bus journey home, the UNDP staff returned to Tripoli refreshed and with a determination to carry out a set of action points, developed on the retreat and designed to enhance UNDP?s performance over the next year.