Ulrika: Strengthening Food Safety Is Not Limited to Protecting Health, but Is Also Fundamental to Economic and Social Stability

Tripoli, July 21, 2026 (LANA) – The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Libya, Ulrika Richardson, affirmed that strengthening food safety is not limited to protecting public health alone, but is also fundamental to economic and social stability.

She made the remarks on Tuesday during a roundtable organized by the Office of the Attorney General on the protection of food security and environmental rights, in the presence of representatives of the Office of the Attorney General, the Minister of Environment, and the Minister of Economy.

The Deputy Special Representative welcomed this important initiative, which comes at a timely moment, and linked it to the ongoing and necessary efforts to strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption and organized crime, and ensure everyone's right to a healthy environment and to food produced in accordance with approved health standards and regulations.

She called for the responsible management of pesticides, enhanced coordination among institutions, and the provision of practical support to farmers to adopt safer and more sustainable agricultural practices. She also reaffirmed the United Nations' readiness to support Libya in building safe, resilient, and sustainable food systems for all.

The workshop included presentations by national experts and United Nations agencies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The presentations addressed pesticide residues in agricultural products and their impact on public health and the environment, the safe management and disposal of hazardous pesticides, food traceability and safety monitoring systems, and practical solutions to promote safe and sustainable agriculture.

Participants also discussed the role of national institutions in strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing oversight, enforcing laws, and protecting consumers.

...(LANA)...