TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS) – Tripoli hosted the 2026 Italian Design Day celebrations, an event organised by the Italian Trade Agency as part of the sixth edition of the Urban Forum.
The event was attended by Libyan authorities, architects, designers, academics and international guests. Participants included the Minister of Housing and Reconstruction, the Minister of Tourism, the President of the Higher Council for Planning and the President of the Chamber of Commerce, reflecting growing interest in urban design and sustainable development in Libya.
In his address, Italy’s ambassador to Tripoli, Gianluca Alberini, underlined the value of design as a universal language capable of bringing together tradition and innovation, aesthetics and functionality.
“I thank the Libyan Council of Architects and its president Khalid Qabalawi for their hospitality,” he said, “which confirms our shared vision of placing architecture, design and urban regeneration at the heart of sustainable development. The Urban Forum is a valuable space for dialogue among institutions, professionals, universities and businesses, and helps build bridges while promoting a culture of design focused on sustainability and the enhancement of existing heritage.”
Alberini also recalled the deep bond between Italy and Libya, rooted in geography and shared history. “The Mediterranean brings our peoples together, and architecture and design today represent an extraordinary field for meeting and cooperation. Both countries have a rich architectural heritage and look to the future with a vision that combines authenticity and modernity,” he said.
The event offered a showcase for Italian design excellence and a platform for dialogue and the exchange of expertise between Italian and Libyan specialists in urban design, the regeneration of public spaces, urban identity and sustainability.
Italian Design Day was held as part of the sixth edition of the Tripoli Urban Forum, an annual platform bringing together decision-makers, designers and urban planners to discuss the future of Libyan cities. Italian-Libyan cooperation in this field represents a model of cultural and artistic partnership, with Italian expertise supporting reconstruction and urban development projects in Libya.
The programme included presentations of innovative projects, workshops on the regeneration of historic buildings and the sharing of successful experiences in transforming public spaces into places serving local communities.
The initiative confirms Italy’s commitment to cooperation with Libya in the fields of design and architecture, building on the historical and geographical ties between the two countries and on the belief that quality design can be an effective tool for sustainable development and for strengthening the urban identity of Libyan cities.
– Farnesina photo –
(ITALPRESS).
