Minister of Planning discusses with UNICEF and FAO officials strengthening cooperation to support humanitarian and development programmes

[12/03/2026 02:20]
Aden – Saba

The Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Afrah Al-Zuba, discussed today in the temporary capital of Aden with the representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Yemen, Peter Hawkins, the organisation's plan and interventions for the current year and ways to strengthen joint cooperation to implement projects in various sectors.

The meeting addressed UNICEF's ongoing programmes in the areas of social protection, health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, as well as the results of the organisation's interventions in supporting basic services for children and families in Yemen, and ways to enhance joint coordination and develop partnerships to support the government's priorities and improve the response to humanitarian and development needs.

Minister Al-Zuba emphasised the importance of continuing cooperation with UNICEF as a key partner in the implementation of development and humanitarian programmes, stressing the need to strengthen the government's role in coordinating and directing international efforts in line with national priorities. She reviewed the challenges facing the government, sectors and institutions, and the efforts made to deal with the various current situations.

She noted the importance of joint work on preparing new programmes that go beyond the traditional phase, with a focus on providing technical support to government and local institutions to enable them to perform their duties more effectively. She stressed the need for projects to reflect the government's vision and aspirations for comprehensive and sustainable development, ensuring the rights of children, women and the most vulnerable communities.

For his part, the UNICEF representative in Yemen affirmed the organisation's commitment to continuing its support for Yemen and working in partnership with the government to expand the scope of programmes targeting the most vulnerable children and families.

In another meeting, the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation discussed with the Acting Resident Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Yemen, Adam Fineman, ways to enhance joint cooperation in the areas of food security and support for the agricultural sector.

The two sides discussed the government's priorities in supporting the rehabilitation of agricultural infrastructure and boosting local production, in addition to developing the livestock and fisheries sectors, thereby contributing to improving livelihoods and enhancing economic stability in rural areas.

Minister Al-Zouba expressed the government's appreciation for the existing partnership with FAO and its role in implementing projects that support the agricultural and fisheries sectors and strengthen the resilience of rural communities, in light of the challenges associated with food insecurity, the repercussions of economic conditions and climate change.

At the end of the meeting, the importance of strengthening coordination between the government and the organisation was emphasised in order to ensure that programmes and projects are aligned with national development priorities and to work together to mobilise resources to support agricultural recovery and development in Yemen.