Matthew Hornshaw visited Tripoli with a view to assisting MGH partners with research into business and academic partnerships, student rescruitment potential and the potential of joint programme initiatives. The trip coincided with a UKTI Trade Mission from the Yorkshire & Humberside region.

During the visit Matthew held meetings with a number of key stakeholders that will play a large part in the re-emergence of Libya as it rises from the ashes of the recent turmoil. The Libyan people remain resolute and extremely upbeat as they see gradual changes in everyday life and a very strong light at the end of the tunnel. Education and training is seen by the new government as the priority and a much needed aid to support those who will drive Libya forward.

Matthew met with the Assistant Director (Partnerships) of the British Council Libya, Salah Subhi and his colleague Ms Ranya Sherif (Programs and HR Manager) and discussed the importance of long term partnerships with UK institutions, and how the UK can support Libyan universities. It was also during a meeting with the President of the Academy of Graduate Studies, Dr Taher Sherif, and Vice-President Dr Salah Zargani, that Matthew raised the importance of links with the UK. The President agreed that this was the way forward and the basics of a strategy were discussed. MGH will be working with the Academy to build a platform for UK partners to link with Academy staff for various forms of mutually beneficial partnerships.

It is not only in the public sector that partnerships need to be formed; Libya's private sector is starting to flourish with a number of training providers aiming to encourage the UK to invest. Matthew met with a group of extremely motivated and capable private sector companies seeking relationships with UK universities and colleges as, yet again, they see training and education as a priority. Following very successful meetings MGH were requested to act on behalf of a number of these companies to form strong, lasting links with the UK public and private sector.

During his visit to Libya, Matthew was accompanied by the former UK Ambassador to Libya, Richard Northern MBE, who is providing MGH with a share of his knowledge and contacts in Libya and was extremely helpful with his time and support. MGH will continue to work with Richard on projects impacting on Libya.

Libya is looking at a fresh start, training and education is key to that and the UK is in a prime position to work "with" this welcoming, vibrant and energetic nation.

Below: L-R, Matthew Hornshaw (Managing Director MGH), Dr Salah Zargani (Vice President, Academy of Graduate Studies), Dr Taher Sherif (President, Academy of Graduate Studies), Richard Northern MBE (former UK Ambassador to Libya)