[12/03/2026 02:40]

ADEN-SABA
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba met on Thursday in the interim capital Aden with UNICEF Representative in Yemen Peter Hawkins to review the organization’s planned activities for the year and discuss ways to expand cooperation in implementing development and humanitarian programs.

The meeting reviewed UNICEF’s ongoing programs in social protection, health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, as well as the impact of its interventions in supporting essential services for children and families across Yemen.

Both sides also discussed strengthening coordination and deepening partnership in line with the government’s humanitarian and development priorities.

Al-Zouba stressed the importance of continued cooperation with UNICEF as a key partner in implementing humanitarian and development programs, noting the need to enhance the government’s role in coordinating international assistance and directing it toward national priorities. She also outlined the challenges facing government institutions and the efforts being made to address the country’s current conditions.

The minister highlighted the importance of developing new programs that move beyond traditional assistance approaches, with greater emphasis on technical support to national and local institutions to help them perform their roles more effectively.

She said development projects should reflect the government’s vision for sustainable and inclusive growth while protecting the rights of children, women and vulnerable communities.

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