Growing up in Libya, I witnessed first-hand how the potential of young people often goes untapped. In a country facing challenges across education, employment, and technology, I realized that building a better future meant investing in youth today. My journey began with a simple belief: technology and innovation can transform lives. I wanted to create opportunities where none existed, giving young people the tools to not just survive, but thrive and lead. This belief led to the founding of LYBOTICS, Libya’s National Robotics Program.
Through LYBOTICS, we empower youth by providing hands-on STEM education, leadership opportunities, and spaces to innovate and dream big. Since our inception, we have reached more than 3,000 students and 200 mentors across over 20 cities in Libya. From building competition-ready robots to launching digital safety initiatives like Salam@Libya, we help young people develop critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills.
Our work directly advances multiple Sustainable Development Goals. We champion quality education by providing free and accessible robotics programs that bridge gaps where formal school systems fall short. We promote gender equality by ensuring girls have equal opportunities in STEM, empowering them as engineers, coders, and future tech leaders. By equipping youth with skills for tomorrow’s industries, we contribute to decent work and economic growth while shaping a workforce ready for Libya’s digital economy. Through robotics competitions and innovation workshops, we foster industry, innovation, and infrastructure, nurturing creativity and technological progress. Above all, we support peace, justice, and strong institutions by creating spaces where young people from diverse regions collaborate, build dialogue, and unite under a shared vision for the future.
One of the proudest moments in this journey was leading the #OMGRobots campaign in partnership with Goodwall, which reached and inspired 1 million young people to rethink STEM and robotics education. Another major milestone was gaining government recognition for LYBOTICS as the official national robotics program, demonstrating how youth-led initiatives can influence policy and drive real change.
Despite challenges—from limited resources to political instability—the passion and resilience of Libya’s youth remains inspiring. Watching students who once had no access to technology now build sophisticated robots and dream of careers in science and innovation shows that meaningful change is possible.
Looking ahead, we are expanding our programs, launching a second season of the Libya STEM Championship, and establishing the LYBOTICS Coding and Robotics Academy to reach even more students, including those in underserved areas. Our mission is simple but powerful: together, we can build a better Libya through education, innovation, and hope.
