The Planning Minister emphasizes the importance of enhancing coordination with regional and international partners to align interventions and priorities.

Importance of Collaboration Highlighted

Dr. Waed Badhieb, Yemen’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, stressed the need for close coordination between regional and international partners and the Yemeni government. He emphasized the role of the Ministry of Planning in aligning donor interventions with national priorities. This statement came during a discussion session at the Fourth Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, which focused on cooperation and developmental integration.

Goals of the Discussion Session

The session aimed to showcase the efforts of donor countries and international organizations working alongside the legitimate Yemeni government and international partners. Participants discussed the challenges faced by donors and partners in implementing projects and explored strategies to overcome these obstacles. The session also aimed to enhance collaboration among donor countries, international organizations, and the Yemeni government to achieve sustainable development goals.

Acknowledgment of Support

Minister Badhieb praised the contributions of the Saudi Program for Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, and the UN Resident Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs in Yemen. He recognized the support from all partners, highlighting the multifaceted challenges Yemen faces due to the ongoing war instigated by Houthi militias. This conflict has resulted in a loss of over $250 billion in national income, a 700% depreciation of the national currency, and a cumulative inflation rate of 183%, with unemployment soaring to 80%.

International Support and Development Priorities

Dr. Badhieb outlined that international and regional support for Yemen has taken two main forms: humanitarian assistance and developmental interventions. He discussed the government’s priorities for achieving development and resilience through a short-term plan aimed at halting economic decline. This plan focuses on establishing the foundations for economic development, enhancing governance, and strengthening the private sector.

Medium-Term Priorities for Economic Recovery

The minister presented medium-term priorities that center on the benefits of implementing urgent priorities. These require coordinated efforts from stakeholders, particularly the government, private sector, civil society, and international partners. Key areas of focus include economic recovery, financial and administrative reforms, increasing economic growth rates, improving human development indicators, and raising the average income per capita.

Call for Institutional Reform Support

Dr. Badhieb also highlighted the critical role of Yemen’s partners in supporting institutional reforms within the government. He urged them to align their interventions with national development plans to achieve significant impact.

This collaborative approach aims to foster a sustainable future for Yemen, addressing the pressing challenges the country faces while promoting resilience and development.

 

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