Water and Environment Minister opens workshop on enhancing comprehensive disaster risk management.

In Aden, the temporary capital of Yemen, Water and Environment Minister Engineer Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi inaugurated a two-day workshop aimed at bolstering comprehensive disaster risk management in the country. This initiative, organized by the Ministry of Water and Environment in collaboration with UNICEF under the theme “Addressing Vulnerability and Building Resilience,” seeks to fortify Yemen against the increasing threat of disasters.

Addressing a Spectrum of Challenges

The workshop delves into a range of critical topics, including the introduction of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, draft proposals for national coordination mechanisms, national strategies for disaster risk reduction and early warning for prompt response, enhancing national capacities to confront disaster risks, the role of local authorities in this battle, climate change, and other related issues.

The Growing Threat of Disasters in Yemen

Minister Al-Sharjabi highlighted the alarming rise in disaster occurrences and their devastating impacts in Yemen, which have led to significant loss of life, economic damages, and destruction of vital infrastructure and services, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict instigated by Houthi militias. He emphasized Yemen’s commitment to the Sendai Framework since 2015, which aims to improve international and regional coordination for disaster risk reduction. Al-Sharjabi also outlined the ministry’s role as the national contact point for the Sendai Framework, pursuant to a 2023 Cabinet decision to establish a Relief, Emergency, and Crisis Unit, enhancing institutional and legislative structures to mitigate disaster risks.

Partnership and Capacity Building

The Ministry continues to work closely with regional and international entities to adopt best practices and build capacities for disaster risk management across various sectors. Al-Sharjabi praised UNICEF’s efforts in supporting water sector capacity building.

Deputy Minister of Information Hussein Basalim discussed the human and environmental toll of disasters and climate change, notably exacerbated by Houthi militia activities. He stressed the importance of media in raising awareness and educating the public on risk reduction and response strategies to minimize losses.

UNICEF’s Commitment to Resilience

Peter Harvey, Head of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene at UNICEF, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to enhancing government capacities and community resilience to mitigate and respond to disasters in coordination with all relevant stakeholders in Yemen.

This workshop marks a significant step towards strengthening Yemen’s disaster risk management capabilities, reflecting a collective effort to safeguard development gains and protect the most vulnerable communities from the adverse effects of disasters and climate change.

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