The Ministry of Youth and Sports launches the National Youth Empowerment Plan 2025-2030 in Aden.

Launch of National Youth Empowerment Plan 2025–2030 in Aden

The Ministry of Youth and Sports officially launched the National Youth Empowerment Plan 2025–2030 today in Aden, the temporary capital of Yemen. This initiative is a collaborative effort with UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Key Figures Attend the Launch

The launch event featured prominent attendees, including Defense Minister Major General Mohsen Al-Daari, various ministry officials, and representatives from international and local organizations. Youth and Sports Minister Nayef Al-Bakri expressed gratitude for the political leadership’s support in facilitating the plan’s development. He emphasized the critical role of youth as active partners in nation-building.

A Vision for the Future

Al-Bakri stated, “Today, we unveil an ambitious national vision that arises from our country’s realities and challenges. We firmly believe that youth are the heartbeat of the nation and the driving force behind sustainable development.”

Youth Demographics and Challenges

The minister highlighted that over 8.3 million young people aged 15 to 24 make up more than 22% of Yemen’s total population. Alarmingly, three out of five of these individuals are outside the realms of education, training, or employment.

A Collaborative National Project

The plan represents a participatory national project, developed with input from hundreds of youth across various provinces, alongside government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and international partners.

Strategic Priorities of the Plan

The plan focuses on six strategic priorities:

1. Building a Sustainable Youth System
2. Linking Education to the Job Market (which receives over 65% of the budget)
3. Enhancing Civil and Political Participation
4. Empowering Youth in Peacebuilding and Community Development
5. Supporting Mental and Physical Health
6. Creating an Environment for Innovation and Creativity

Al-Bakri urged all stakeholders—including government ministries, civil society organizations, the private sector, and international partners—to collaborate in turning this vision into a tangible reality.

Commitment to Youth Engagement

Dr. Munir Lamah, Deputy Minister for Youth, noted that the plan’s development followed a series of consultations involving all government and private sectors, international and local organizations, youth initiatives, and women’s sectors. He affirmed that the plan signifies a national commitment to youth across all provinces and underscores the ministry’s focus on enhancing their role in development.

UNICEF and UNFPA Support

In a statement from UNICEF and UNFPA, Deputy Representative Miyo Nimoto highlighted the plan’s importance in fostering youth participation and understanding their realities and challenges. She reaffirmed the organization’s ongoing support for youth empowerment programs and called for effective partnerships with youth to amplify their voices to decision-makers.

Presentation on Youth Challenges

The event included a presentation addressing the key challenges facing youth in Yemen, an overview of the national plan’s components, and an analysis of the health situation among young people, provided by the UNFPA.

This launch marks a significant step towards empowering Yemen’s youth and addressing the pressing challenges they face in today’s society.

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