The Planning Minister discusses enhancing humanitarian coordination and supporting the transition to sustainable development with UN officials.

Minister of Planning Discusses Humanitarian Coordination in Yemen

In a significant meeting held today in the temporary capital of Aden, Dr. Afrah Al-Zuba, Yemen’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, engaged with Edem Wosorno, the Director of the Crisis Response Division at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and Head of the Global Emergency Directors Group. The discussion focused on pressing humanitarian updates and priorities for humanitarian and developmental work in Yemen.

Strengthening UN Presence in Aden

The meeting addressed several critical issues, particularly the need to enhance the presence of UN agencies in Aden. Both parties emphasized the importance of sharing data and information regarding humanitarian projects with relevant government entities. This collaboration aims to bolster coordination and monitoring efforts.

Government’s Role in Humanitarian Response

Minister Al-Zuba highlighted the necessity of strengthening the government’s role as a key partner in planning, implementing, and monitoring humanitarian responses. She stressed that aligning interventions with national priorities and the needs of citizens is crucial. Furthermore, she called for a gradual transition from emergency humanitarian responses to sustainable development support and capacity building for national institutions.

Promoting Transparency and Coordination

The Minister also underscored the importance of transparency in humanitarian coordination mechanisms. She advocated for regular government involvement in discussions about priorities, programs, and humanitarian funding. This approach aims to enhance response efficiency and achieve integration among various interventions. Al-Zuba asserted that sustainable outcomes require genuine partnerships with state institutions and improved synergy between humanitarian and developmental efforts.

Commitment to Collaboration

In response, Wosorno reaffirmed OCHA’s commitment to ongoing collaboration and coordination with the Yemeni government and relevant partners. This partnership aims to improve responses to humanitarian needs across Yemen.

Meeting with World Food Programme

In a separate meeting, Minister Al-Zuba also met with the new Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Yemen, Khader Daloum. They discussed areas of mutual cooperation and the program’s priorities for the upcoming phase.

Key Areas of Focus

The two sides explored several shared interests, including school nutrition programs, enhancing local procurement to support the national economy, and the importance of coordination with developmental programs implemented in partnership with the World Bank and other donors.

Welcoming New Leadership

Minister Al-Zuba welcomed Daloum to his new role, wishing him success in his responsibilities. She praised the vital role of the WFP in supporting food security and providing humanitarian assistance to millions of Yemenis, along with its contributions to school nutrition and logistics services.

Enhancing Coordination for Greater Impact

The Minister emphasized the need to strengthen coordination and partnership between the WFP and the Yemeni government. This collaboration aims to ensure that interventions align with national priorities and maximize the impact of assistance provided to citizens. She reiterated the role of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation in coordinating and monitoring international cooperation programs.

Future Strategies for Food Security

Daloum outlined the WFP’s key strategies and directions for the upcoming period. He shared plans to enhance food security, improve livelihoods, and expand programs that build resilience. The WFP aims to transition gradually from emergency humanitarian responses to sustainable developmental interventions.

This collaboration between the Yemeni government and international organizations marks a crucial step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis and fostering sustainable development in Yemen.

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