[28/01/2025 06:30]

AMMAN - SABA
A workshop has been held here on Tuesday focusing on the 2025 Economic and Social Development Plan for Taiz Governorate.

This event was organized in partnership between the local authority and the United Nations in Yemen, under the patronage of the Prime Minister, Dr. Ahmed bin Mubarak.

The opening session of the two-day workshop was attended by the advisor to the President of the Presidential Leadership Council for Local Administration, Badr Basalama Minister of Local Administration, Hussein al-Aghbari Undersecretary of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation Omar Abdulaziz, the Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations; the Deputy Head of the European Union Mission; representatives from UN organizations, international organizations, donors, the private sector, and civil society organizations.

The advisor to the President of the Presidential Leadership Council for Local Administration praised the importance of the workshop for the transition of Taiz Governorate from humanitarian programs to sustainable development, creating a model for other governorates to follow.

He stated: "What has been accomplished in Taiz is crucial for unifying the framework for local authorities' work."

He emphasized that this unique experience has garnered significant attention from President Dr. Rashad al-Alimi, who is keen for this initiative, which started in Taiz, to extend to Hadramawt and Aden, forming a model for transitioning to sustainable projects.

"This experience is vital for Taiz and a starting point for empowering local authorities to provide services, achieve recovery for infrastructure, and improve citizens' basic needs. Therefore, the Presidential Leadership Council is keen to generalize this experience and ensure its success at various levels," he added.

He praised the local authority's efforts in Taiz and their partnership with the government, international community, active organizations, the private sector, and civil society to support capacities and reassess the requirements of the phase, ensuring alignment between laws and reality to achieve success for this initiative in Taiz.

For his part, the Minister of Local Administration expressed his happiness to participate in launching the economic and social development plan for Taiz, which has endured the burden of ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. He thanked the United Nations Development Program and the partners supporting this plan as a model for national development.
Minister al-Aghbari stated, "Taiz represents a suitable context for this important plan due to its social and economic capital and strong traditions in civil participation, human rights, and political engagement, making it an ideal environment for selecting innovative recovery solutions."

"Support for Taiz is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between humanitarian aid and long-term development, which holds great value as recovery efforts expand to other governorates. Sustainable development is a pathway to peace, stability, democracy, and confronting conflict and severe humanitarian crises, as well as the weaknesses of state institutions," Minister of Local Administration al-Aghbari added.
Minister al-Aghbari reviewed the efforts of the Ministry of Local Administration in responding to citizens' needs and long-term requirements related to rebuilding infrastructure and social services, collaborating with all relevant parties.

He discussed the ministry's priorities in reconstructing and operating public facilities, improving infrastructure, empowering women and youth in decision-making, and adapting to climate change while mitigating its effects. He expressed optimism that the development plan for Taiz would achieve tangible positive impacts.

Meanwhile, Taiz Governor Nabil Shamsan welcomed all participants in the workshop, including government members, UN organizations, international organizations, humanitarian partners, civil society, and the private sector.

He highlighted the deep partnership with the United Nations to develop the economic and social development plan for 2024-2026 and the vision and plans that constitute an unprecedented experience through continuous work and ongoing meetings, as well as the indicators of recovery that the governorate is achieving.

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