On the 23rd January 2010, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Libya and the General Information Authority (GIA) signed a new project, worth almost $400,000, to develop the GIA’s capacity as the authority charged with collecting, assimilating and analysing national data.

The project document was signed by Dr. Mohammed Salem Bani, Secretary of the GIA, and Mr. Ramanathan Balakrishnan, UNDP Libya Resident Representative a.i. The project will further cement UNDP Libya and the GIA’s close partnership, and reflects both UNDP Libya and the Libyan Government’s increased emphasis on the importance of gathering comprehensive and accurate development data.

Mr. Balakrishnan spoke briefly to affirm UNDP’s commitment to supporting Libya’s capacity to collect and analyse data, and said that accurate development data is crucial to increasing the accessibility and efficiency of public services, and to maintaining Libya’s current economic growth.

Under the new project, entitled ‘Capacity Development for the General Information Authority’, UNDP Libya will assist the GIA in assessing its current capacity and developing an appropriate plan for strengthening its data management capabilities. Intended activities include establishing mechanisms for staff training and career development, reviewing the authority’s organisational structure and ensuring improved knowledge sharing and alignment with national development plans.

UNDP Libya and the GIA have already been working together on the publication of the first national Millennium Development Goal Report, which is due to be released later this year. Under the same joint project, the GIA is in the final stages of drafting a National Human Development Report, which will analyse how the education sector in Libya can be adapted to fit the demands of today’s dynamic labour market