Workshop begins in Aden on lessons learnt from Japan’s experience in supporting recovery and reconstruction in Yemen

[24/06/2026 04:59]
Aden – Saba News:

A workshop entitled “The Recovery and Reconstruction Programme in Yemen – Lessons from the Japanese Experience” has begun in the temporary capital, Aden. The two-day event is being organised by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

With the participation of a number of officials and representatives from government bodies, UN agencies and international organisations, the workshop reviews the key lessons learnt from Japan’s experience in the fields of recovery and reconstruction, and mechanisms for applying them to support national efforts aimed at promoting sustainable development and building institutions capable of addressing challenges.

At the opening ceremony, the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr Afrah Al-Zuba, explained that the workshop represents an important milestone in Yemeni-Japanese cooperation and aims to draw on Japan’s experience in building national capacity and developing a Yemeni vision for recovery and reconstruction, based on strengthening the role of institutions and empowering national personnel and local authorities. She noted that the success of recovery efforts depends not only on funding, but also on institution-building, capacity development, and the strengthening of governance and community partnerships.

She added that the workshop seeks to translate the knowledge and expertise gained from the programme into practical policies and visions that support development and stability in the country. She commended the Japanese Government’s support for capacity-building programmes, explaining that the workshop’s outcomes will contribute to strengthening coordination and partnerships that support the country’s recovery and reconstruction process.

For his part, the Minister of Public Works and Roads, Engineer Hussein Al-Aqrabi, emphasised that reconstruction represents a comprehensive national project, centred on rehabilitating vital infrastructure, promoting digital transformation, building institutional capacity and empowering national talent, thereby ensuring sustainable development and a more stable and prosperous future. He noted that Japan’s experience highlights the importance of a clear national vision, strong institutions, data-driven planning and sustainable investment that enhances resilience in the face of challenges and disasters.

For his part, the Japanese Ambassador to Yemen, Yutaka Nakashima, highlighted the importance of drawing on his country’s experience in developing a clear vision and approach to address the challenges facing Yemen and to strengthen the capacity of national institutions to lead recovery and reconstruction efforts in an effective and sustainable manner.

Meanwhile, Rayhana Zouar, Country Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Yemen, emphasised the importance of strengthening partnership and coordination between the government and development partners to draw on successful international experiences. She reaffirmed UNOPS’s commitment to continuing its support for initiatives aimed at promoting early recovery, reconstruction and institutional capacity-building in Yemen. 

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)