The Deputy Minister of Planning discusses the implementation of development interventions in vital sectors with international officials.

In a significant meeting held today in the temporary capital of Aden, Dr. Nizar Bashihab, the Deputy Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, engaged with Zaruhi Tukhma, the Senior Urban Development Officer at the World Bank. The discussion focused on the progress of development projects funded by the World Bank and outlined future plans for upcoming project portfolios.

Progress on Urban Development Projects

The meeting included key officials such as the Undersecretary for Engineering Projects, Minister Al-Sharwani, and the Undersecretary for International Cooperation, Omar Abdulaziz. Hogan Park, an urban development specialist from the World Bank, also participated. They reviewed the status of the emergency urban services project and highlighted the achievements made through these initiatives. Additionally, they explored the possibility of resuming projects that had stalled due to the cessation of U.S. funding. The group discussed priority needs and interventions across various sectors, aligning them with their plans to enhance sustainable development.

Acknowledging the Role of the World Bank

Dr. Bashihab praised the World Bank’s role in supporting development across Yemen. He emphasized the importance of expanding the Bank’s interventions to cover more regions and essential services, particularly in critical sectors such as energy, transportation, water, and sanitation. He stressed the need for improved coordination among project implementers to ensure desired outcomes and to leverage available opportunities for broader cooperation in new areas. This collaboration aims to provide additional support for economic recovery and development.

Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Development

During the meeting, Tukhma highlighted that her visit aimed to assess the progress of ongoing and completed projects. She underscored the significance of partnership between the World Bank and the Yemeni government to restore essential services in the country. The discussion also addressed the priority needs for sustainability projects to ensure effective responses to intervention requirements.

Coordination with UNOPS for Infrastructure Projects

In a separate meeting, Dr. Bashihab met with Rehana Zawar, the Country Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Yemen. They discussed efforts to coordinate and collaborate on government programs and sectors involved in implementing service and development projects. The conversation also covered the pressing needs for infrastructure projects in energy, water, agriculture, and disaster response amid climate change.

Focus on Regional Development Needs

Dr. Bashihab emphasized the necessity of concentrating on development projects that align with the specific needs of each region. He advocated for integrating efforts across different sectors to ensure continuous evaluation and monitoring of project implementation. This approach aims to maximize benefits while ensuring equitable distribution of resources.

Addressing Food Security Challenges

Additionally, Dr. Bashihab met with Abigail Reniocoria, the Food Security and Agriculture Cluster Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). They discussed the impact of halted U.S. grants on the food situation in Yemen, as well as response efforts in areas suffering from malnutrition. The meeting also addressed the criteria for identifying new beneficiaries and the level of funding for food supply chain projects from donors.

Through these discussions, the Deputy Minister aims to foster collaboration and ensure that development efforts effectively address the pressing needs of the Yemeni population.

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