Minister of Planning discusses intervention plans and prospects for future cooperation with UNDP

[02/03/2026 01:31]
Aden - Saba

The Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Afrah Al-Zuba, discussed today in the temporary capital of Aden with the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Yemen, Zeina Ali, the programme's intervention plan and prospects for future cooperation between the two sides, in order to enhance sustainable development efforts.

The meeting, which was attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Planning for International Cooperation, Omar Abdulaziz, and programme specialists, addressed the projects implemented by the programme and their level of achievement, which included a project to develop fisheries and fish landing in a number of governorates, the institutional capacity-building project ‘Siri,’ economic development projects through value chains and support for small projects, institutional reform, support for ministries, institutions and the Central Bank of Yemen, and the financial management project for the Ministries of Finance and Civil Service.

The Minister of Planning and International Cooperation pointed to the significant impact of UNDP programmes and projects in supporting development pathways and improving the level of basic services. She emphasised Yemen's growing need to implement sustainable development projects that address current challenges, stressing the importance of aligning the programme's interventions with national priorities and government plans in order to achieve tangible results that serve citizens.

Minister Al-Zuba highlighted the importance of transitioning from relief to development interventions, especially at this stage. She touched on the projects implemented and funded by the programme in the water sector, particularly in the governorates of Taiz and Lahj, noting that Yemen is one of the countries most affected by water scarcity, which requires redoubled efforts in this vital sector. She outlined the list of needs in the areas of health and education and the need to direct support towards the implementation of projects with a direct and sustainable impact.

She stressed the importance of making optimal use of available resources and directing them efficiently towards priority projects, affirming the ministry's support for the efforts of the development programme as a key development partner. She reviewed the ministry's approach to developing institutional performance and improving efficiency and capacity, which will help speed up the absorption of support and commitments and mobilise more funding.

For her part, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Yemen gave a brief explanation of the programme's work system and mechanisms for implementation and coordination with the government across sectors and national institutions, highlighting the programme's focus in Yemen on improving livelihoods and income, promoting good governance, peacebuilding, energy, water and climate change.

She affirmed the UNDP's commitment to continuing its role as a key partner in supporting development efforts in Yemen and strengthening cooperation with the government to achieve sustainable development goals.