Fact Sheet: U.S.-Libya Science and Technology Cooperation: Bilateral Framework Science and Technology Cooperation Agreements

The Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science (OES), Office of Science and Technology Cooperation pursues science diplomacy through the establishment of binding bilateral and multilateral Agreements for Science and Technology (S&T) Cooperation. These Agreements promote the precepts of sustainable development, science-based decision-making, good governance, and global security. Currently, there are approximately 40 U.S. S&T agreements worldwide.

U.S. and Libya Sign Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement

In January, 2008, the United States and Libya signed a framework Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement in Washington. The Agreement is an important step in recognizing Libya’s historic renunciation of weapons of mass destruction and the normalization of relations with the United States. It is also an important component in U.S. efforts to promote peace and stability in the Maghreb region of Africa. Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky inaugurated the U.S.-Libya Science and Technology Dialogue in Tripoli in July 2006, and OES Assistant Secretary Claudia McMurray expanded the dialogue there in November 2006.

• The U.S.-Libya Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement establishes a framework to facilitate exchange of scientific results, provide protection for intellectual property rights and benefit sharing. It is designed to support government-to-government exchange, partnerships between private, academic, and other non-governmental entities, and the establishment of science-based industries and promotion of jobs.

• The Agreement is also designed to promote a regional dialogue on important issues such as the protection of the environment, the management of shared resources, and the advancement of science.

Areas of Cooperation: Health, Energy, Seismology, Science Education

• U.S.-Libyan science and technology cooperation to date has been most robust in the areas of health (under a $1.25 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services being used to help modernize Libya’s public health infrastructure), water resources, space and upper atmospheric science, and direct scientist engagement.

• Leading U.S. energy scientists will travel from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado in January 2008 to work on wind and solar projects, including solar desalination, and to assist in the evaluation of Libya’s silicon deposits.

• Seismologists from the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey will travel to Libya in early 2008 to install equipment designed to link Libya to the Global Seismic Network. Several other science missions are planned for 2008.

• Other science programming, including programs to engage science students and their teachers, is in the planning stage as part of an overall effort o use science-based approaches to make tangible improvements in the lives of people, encourage sustainable economic growth, and advance scientific knowledge.