The Prime Minister received the UNDP Resident Representative in Aden.

Prime Minister Welcomes UNDP Resident Representative in Aden

On Monday, Dr. Shai Mohsen Al-Zandani, the Prime Minister of Yemen, welcomed Noura Hamldji, the new Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yemen, in the temporary capital of Aden. The meeting focused on key areas of cooperation and the UNDP’s role in supporting Yemen’s economic recovery, institutional reform, and sustainable development.

Strengthening Partnerships for Recovery

At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Al-Zandani expressed his warm welcome to Hamldji and wished her success in her new role. He emphasized the Yemeni government’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with the UNDP. The goal is to move beyond merely addressing the crisis’s aftermath and to empower Yemenis and state institutions to overcome these challenges.

Addressing Recent Escalations

During the discussion, Al-Zandani highlighted the recent escalation by the Houthi militia, which has targeted civilians, residential areas, and displacement camps. This violence has led to new waves of displacement. He reaffirmed that the government prioritizes the protection of civilians and internally displaced persons (IDPs) and is collaborating with international partners to address urgent humanitarian needs.

Commitment to Institutional and Economic Reform

The Prime Minister also outlined the government’s achievements in implementing a comprehensive path for institutional, economic, financial, and administrative reform. He stressed that these reforms are essential for restoring state efficiency, improving services, and enhancing transparency, accountability, and resource management. Al-Zandani insisted that supporting state institutions and building their capacities must be at the core of international partnership priorities.

UNDP’s Role in Capacity Building

Al-Zandani expressed his hope that the UNDP would take on a more significant role in supporting institutional reform, capacity building, digital transformation, and enhancing government efficiency. He emphasized the importance of transforming international aid and expertise into sustainable national capabilities. Furthermore, he urged that the UNDP’s projects and those of development partners align with national priorities and focus on initiatives that create lasting economic and social impacts.

UNDP’s Commitment to Collaboration

In response, Hamldji assured the Prime Minister of the UNDP’s commitment to continuing and strengthening its partnership with the Yemeni government. She highlighted the program’s readiness to support Yemen’s priorities in recovery, development, capacity building, and governance. Hamldji expressed the UNDP’s willingness to work closely with the government to enhance cooperation and achieve more sustainable outcomes.

This meeting marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration between Yemen and the UNDP, aiming to address the pressing challenges facing the nation and build a brighter future for its people.

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