United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Administrator Achim Steiner recently appointed Marc-André Franche as Resident Representative ad interim for Libya. Marc-André Franche assumed his new functions in Tripoli. UNDP in Libya, with the support of its international and national partners, accompanies national and local authorities, civil society and the private sector to build peace and stability paving the way to sustainable development for all Libyans. Support notably includes strengthening resilience across, supporting the democratic process through fair and credible elections and accompanying the national reconciliation. Khalida Bouzar, UNDP's Regional Director for Arab States ,underlined, "The appointment of Franche and the new management team of UNDP Libya underscores the priority given to Libya by UNDP and our commitment to redouble efforts to accompany the country's peaceful transition." Franche stated: "UNDP Libya reaffirms its commitment to accompany the electoral process and continue strengthening democratic institutions helping the country move forward towards achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in a peaceful and unified way." Franche brings to the position over 20 years of experience in international development and conflict prevention with the United Nations. He previously headed the UN Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund, which supports more than 40 countries around the world to prevent violent conflict, avoid the resumption of conflict or encourage reconciliation. Franche is Canadian, holds a master's degree in development policy from the London School of Economics, European studies from Lund University and a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Montreal. He is married and has a son. — SG
