The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister inaugurates the National Conference on Partnership and Integration in Aden.

Prime Minister Opens National Conference on Government-Local Authority Partnership in Aden

Aden, Yemen – June 14, 2026
Today, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Sha’if Mohsen Al-Zandani inaugurated the National Conference on Partnership and Integration between the Government and Local Authorities in Aden. The three-day conference, themed “Towards Decentralized Governance and Sustainable Institutional Empowerment,” aims to address the challenges faced by local authorities in delivering services.

Emphasizing Collaborative Governance

In his opening speech, Dr. Al-Zandani emphasized that the conference seeks to establish a more effective and integrated relationship between central and local authorities. He stated, “Our goal is to prioritize citizen service, not to draw boundaries between central authority and local governance.” He highlighted the ongoing struggle to restore state institutions after years of conflict instigated by the Houthi militia, stressing the need for a more efficient and effective state.

Addressing Resource Management Challenges

Dr. Al-Zandani pointed out that issues extend beyond resource scarcity. He noted that effective management and the equitable distribution of powers and responsibilities are crucial. “We inherited a highly centralized administrative model that complicates simple decisions,” he explained. He urged local authorities to use their flexibility to enhance citizens’ lives while adhering to the rule of law.

Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

The Prime Minister stressed that the strength of any local authority depends on its commitment to law, transparency, and institutional governance. He affirmed the government’s dedication to shifting from “managing details” to “managing public policies.” He warned that strict measures would follow any violations of laws, whether at the central or local level.

Financial Resource Management

Regarding financial matters, Dr. Al-Zandani reiterated that resource collection is not merely a tax but a social contract aimed at directing public funds toward development. He pledged to ensure that revenue streams support tangible projects in electricity, water, health, and education, emphasizing that citizens expect accountability and transparency.

Call for International Support

In his address to international organizations and partners, Dr. Al-Zandani highlighted that supporting local authorities represents a direct investment in stability and recovery. He asserted that the success of local projects directly contributes to the resilience of the state.

Conference Goals and Local Authority Empowerment

The conference aims to discuss chronic challenges in local service delivery and strengthen the relationship between central governance and local authorities. Minister of Local Administration Engineer Badr Basalama noted that the leadership council’s commitment to decentralization reflects a strategic national choice. He expressed hope that the conference would yield actionable recommendations for effective decentralization and development.

Enhancing Coordination and Development

Governor of Taiz, Nabil Shamsan, remarked that the conference marks a significant step toward enhancing coordination between the government and local authorities. He emphasized that institutional partnerships are essential for reinforcing state authority and improving service quality.

Learning from International Experiences

German Ambassador to Yemen, Thomas Schneider, shared insights from Germany’s federal system, highlighting how the distribution of responsibilities between federal and state governments has fostered stability and development. He noted that decentralized systems can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each country.

Conference Discussions and Participation

Over three days, the conference will engage representatives from various ministries and local authorities in liberated provinces. Participants will address issues related to local resource management, delegation of powers, and the roles of different entities in service delivery and economic development.

The conference attracted numerous ministers, governors, and representatives from international organizations and development partners, underscoring the collaborative effort to enhance governance in Yemen.

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