Minister of Planning Discusses Strengthening Partnership and Supporting Development Programmes in Yemen with UNFPA

[01/04/2026 04:29]
Aden - Saba:

The Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr Afrah Al-Zuba, met today in the temporary capital, Aden, with the UNFPA Representative in Yemen, Francesco Galletti, to discuss ways of strengthening joint cooperation and developing development programmes, particularly in the areas of population data, capacity building and support for vital sectors.

During the meeting, Minister Al-Zuba affirmed that the Ministry of Planning is the main coordinating body for development and international cooperation in Yemen, noting the importance of relying on data and statistics in the preparation of national policies and plans, particularly in light of current challenges. She commended the Fund’s efforts in supporting population programmes and statistical surveys, which contribute to improving the quality of planning and decision-making.

The Minister of Planning outlined the Ministry’s approach to preparing a comprehensive national development plan—the first in years—based on international best practices, thereby enhancing the integration of efforts across various sectors. She called for strengthening institutional coordination and integration with the Central Bureau of Statistics, thereby ensuring the provision of accurate and up-to-date data that contributes to evidence-based policy-making.

Dr Al-Zuba highlighted the importance of support from international partners in this endeavour, foremost among them the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to strengthen planning and implementation capacities, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and support the enhanced role of academic and health institutions in capacity building and service delivery.

For his part, the UNFPA representative emphasised the Fund’s commitment to continuing its support for the Yemeni government and strengthening its partnership with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, thereby contributing to the implementation of priority programmes, particularly in the areas of population, reproductive health and youth empowerment.