Saudi-Led SDRPY Meeting Aims To Strengthen Yemen’s Development Path

The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) recently hosted a meeting of the Yemen Partners Group (YPG). This gathering included representatives from the United Nations (UN), international bodies, and donor organisations focused on Yemen. The event highlighted Saudi Arabia's significant role in supporting Yemen's development, showcasing its history of generous contributions globally.

The meeting saw participation from notable figures such as UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg, EU Ambassador to Yemen Gabriel Munuera Vinals, and UN Resident Coordinator in Yemen David Gressly. Other attendees included World Bank Country Director for Yemen Tania Meyer, Chargé d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Yemen Shao Zheng, SDRPY Assistant General Supervisor Eng. Hassan Al-Attas, USAID's Kimberlee Bell, Yemeni Prime Minister's Advisor Ambassador Mujib Othman, and UNDP representative Zina Ali Ahmed.

During the meeting, participants discussed recent developments and humanitarian issues in Yemen. Grundberg emphasised the UN's 60-year support for Yemen, focusing on development, humanitarian aid, and political matters. He also provided updates on the latest humanitarian and development situations.

Eng. Hassan Al-Attas highlighted SDRPY's significant role in supporting development and stability in Yemen. "The program has been able to contribute to supporting eight essential sectors and has implemented more than 200 development projects and initiatives in various Yemeni governorates. The latest of these was the provision of five vital projects last week in Taiz Governorate," he said.

Al-Attas further stated that SDRPY aims to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development throughout Yemen by collaborating with international, regional, local organisations, civil society groups, and the private sector under Yemeni government leadership.

Yemeni Government’s Development Plan

The Yemeni side presented their government-led development plan focusing on restoring stability, strengthening state institutions, combating corruption, promoting accountability and transparency within all state institutions. This plan includes financial and administrative reforms to enhance government operations' efficiency and effectiveness.

The plan also aims to rebuild the state while fostering strategic relationships with the international community based on mutual interests. These efforts are part of a comprehensive approach to rebuilding Yemen.

Coordination Among Donors

The YPG meeting aimed to enhance coordination between humanitarian, development, peace operations, and donors. It sought to align development priorities under Yemeni government leadership while strengthening cooperation among various stakeholders involved in Yemen's development.

This hosting is an extension of Saudi Arabia’s long-standing support for Yemen’s development journey. It encourages members' efforts towards overcoming obstacles to peace and furthering developmental work led by the Yemeni government.

Updates from International Organisations

The UNDP provided an update on their Voluntary National Review (VNR), while the World Bank shared insights into Yemen’s economic situation. The European Union expressed its support for mechanisms aimed at facilitating peace efforts in Yemen.

Fahad Al-Shammari represented the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) at the meeting alongside several ambassadors and diplomats who contributed to discussions on enhancing cooperation for Yemen’s future.

SDRPY’s Sectoral Projects

SDRPY has undertaken numerous projects across 14 Yemeni governorates covering sectors like education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture & fisheries. They also focus on capacity building & support for Yemeni government programs aimed at overall development.

This extensive involvement underscores SDRPY’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth in essential sectors crucial for improving living conditions in Yemen.

The YPG meeting underscored Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in aiding Yemen through coordinated efforts with international partners. This collaboration aims at achieving long-term stability & prosperity for the people of Yemen under their government's leadership.

With inputs from SPA