The Role of Local Administration and Municipalities in Achieving Sustainable Development in Libya.

Abstract

This research aims to study the role of local administration and municipalities in achieving sustainable development. As key governmental institutions close to citizens and responsible for managing local affairs and providing essential services to the community, local administration and municipalities play a vital role. The importance of this topic stems from the growing global interest in the concept of sustainable development as a framework that balances the requirements of economic and social development with environmental protection. The research employs a descriptive-analytical approach, analyzing concepts related to local administration and sustainable development. It also examines the role municipalities can play in supporting development at the local level. The research addresses the conceptual framework of local administration and municipalities, defining them and outlining their objectives. Furthermore, it explores the concept of sustainable development and its various dimensions.

The research focuses on the areas where municipalities contribute to achieving sustainable development, such as urban planning, improving public services, protecting the environment, managing local resources, and supporting economic and social development within the local community. The research concludes that local administration is a fundamental tool for achieving sustainable development; however, its effectiveness may be affected by several challenges, most notably limited financial resources, a shortage of administrative expertise, and the persistence of certain centralized decision-making practices. The research concluded that it is necessary to strengthen the role of municipalities by supporting administrative decentralization, developing institutional capacities, and enhancing the participation of the local community in decision-making in order to contribute to achieving sustainable and inclusive development at the local level