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 Osman Dioun, the World Bank’s Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The discussions focused on collaborative efforts to expand developmental support in Yemen and enhance key recovery priorities.
The meeting included the participation of Dr. Nizar Basheib, Deputy Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, along with ministry officials, regional director of the World Bank Group Stefan Guimbert, and Dina Abu Ghaida, head of the World Bank office in Yemen. They reviewed ongoing projects funded by the World Bank through various UN and international organizations. These projects cover essential services, infrastructure, institutional reforms, and capacity building. The group also explored necessary support to improve the effectiveness of these programs.
The discussions addressed the current economic and humanitarian situation in Yemen, highlighting the challenges faced by the government due to limited resources. The participants outlined priorities for the upcoming phase, focusing on improving basic services, supporting economic stability, and gradually enhancing recovery efforts. They also discussed strategies for implementing the project portfolio for the current year.
Minister Al-Zuba welcomed the World Bank delegation to Aden, praising the existing level of cooperation. She emphasized the government’s commitment to continue working together to achieve development goals and improve citizens’ living standards.
The minister stressed the importance of aligning the World Bank’s project portfolio for 2026 with the government’s approved priorities. She urged for increased allocations to support Yemen in the upcoming cycle, considering urgent needs in health, education, water, infrastructure, job creation for youth, and economic empowerment for women.
Dr. Al-Zuba highlighted the need for improved coordination with relevant government agencies to enhance project implementation efficiency. She called for accelerating progress and ensuring the sustainability of developmental interventions to create a direct impact on citizens’ lives. Furthermore, she pointed out the importance of transitioning from emergency interventions to sustainable projects while focusing on strengthening national institutions and building their capacities for effective program management.
Osman Dioun, the World Bank’s Vice President, underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships between the government and development partners. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to achieve tangible impacts, improve resource utilization, and support priority programs.
Both parties agreed on the necessity of shifting support from humanitarian aid to sustainable development pathways. They also acknowledged the importance of continuing to assist the most vulnerable populations while focusing on vital sectors, particularly energy, infrastructure, and education.
This meeting marks a crucial step in Yemen’s journey towards recovery and development, as both the government and the World Bank reaffirm their commitment to collaborative efforts that will benefit the Yemeni people.
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