Throughout the entirety of the event, there was a clear emphasis on the importance of collaboration and cooperation across different levels of government, from the local to the national. Speakers underscored the need for a bottom-up approach to governance, recognising the vital role of not only local administrations but also civil society as a whole in driving meaningful change within their communities. This sentiment echoed the principles of MLG, which seeks to empower local authorities while addressing national-level concerns simultaneously.
One of the main topics of discussion during the event was the assessment of the project’s four pilot actions: namely, “Data Management for territorial planning applications”, “Emergency Room”, “Turning Waste into Value”, and “Radio”. From data management to emergency response capabilities, participants shared success stories from pilot projects, such as the strategic use of communication channels like a local radio to raise awareness as well as to engage citizens in societal debate and promote project sustainability. While the shortcomings were addressed, these practical examples illustrated the potential of MLG practices in driving positive transformation in local communities, acknowledging the particularities of each local context, and thus avoiding the exportation of a universal governance model.
In this line, another pivotal issue was the importance of citizen-centric strategic planning. This underscores the notion that it is citizens and local authorities themselves who are most knowledgeable of the needs and realities on the ground, making them essential stakeholders (and not merely beneficiaries) in decision-making processes and project initiatives. This approach, which regards citizen involvement as essential, guarantees that development efforts are aligned with the needs and priorities of the community, ultimately enhancing project sustainability and effectiveness.
Noteworthy to mention is the Libyan ambassador's participation, as his unwavering support and dedication to fostering collaboration between Libya and the EU was crucial to the success of the project. His contributions during the conference highlighted the shared commitment to sustainable development, as well as the importance of maintaining dialogue and cooperation to achieve common goals, even beyond the framework of the project. This was indeed a common thread throughout the event, as the desire to continue and strengthen Libya-EU relations was a recurring theme in the interventions of most speakers.
Looking ahead, participants expressed profound gratitude for the achievements made under the TAMSALL project, highlighting the visibility of genuine tangible results. Additionally, as abovementioned, they also expressed a desire for continued (and expanded) cooperation and technical assistance. Participants emphasised the need for sustainability and future initiatives to address ongoing challenges in Libya effectively.
All in all, the TAMSALL Final Event has proved the collective power of multilevel governance practices when it comes to advancing territorial development. Through collaboration, continued learning and shared commitment, all partners have shown dedication towards building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities, or in other words, towards building a better future for all. As the TAMSALL project concludes, let us reflect on the lessons learned and continue to nurture the spirit of collaboration to guide efforts towards a more prosperous and sustainable future. As stated several times during the event, let us not see the final event as an ending, but as the beginning of a journey whose seeds have been planted by all of us.
