Charting a Path to Stability: UNDP's Strategic Blueprint for Yemen (2023-2025) Unveiled Amidst Complex Challenges
Cover image: UNDP Yemen Youth Day 2022 Nada Al-Mashdali while setting up her recycling system for biogas. UNDP Yemen 2022.
Summary
UNDP Yemen - Strategic Direction (2023-2025)
• Highlights the need for continued rehabilitation of smaller infrastructure in Yemen, including feeder roads, mine clearance, and off-grid small electricity systems.
• Emphasizes diplomatic efforts, including high-level negotiations, unofficial dialogues, and people-to-people diplomacy.
• Advocates for the implementation of decentralization laws and policies following pivotal political decisions.
• Calls for a balanced approach to state-building, collaborating with key partners like the World Bank and the European Union.
• Outlines key projects including the Social Protection Enhancement and COVID-19 Response Project, Yemen Food Security Response and Resilience Project, and Sustainable Fishery Development in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Project.
In a groundbreaking move, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has revealed its strategic direction for Yemen spanning the years 2023 to 2025. The document, titled "UNDP Yemen – Strategic Direction (2023 – 2025)," meticulously delineates key priorities and focus areas that will guide the organization's operations in the war-torn nation.
One paramount aspect highlighted in the document is the imperative continuation of rehabilitating smaller infrastructure under all circumstances. This encompasses initiatives such as the opening of feeder roads, mine clearance, and the establishment or restoration of off-grid small electricity systems.
The strategic plan accentuates the significance of diplomatic efforts across various tracks, including high-level negotiations, unofficial dialogues, and people-to-people diplomacy.
Moreover, the document delves into the intricacies of the social contract between citizens, the government, and societal institutions. It strongly advocates for the implementation of decentralization laws and policies following pivotal political decisions.
Addressing the challenges posed by Yemen's fragmented map and the historical, social, economic, and political disparities between regions, the strategic direction calls for a balanced approach to state-building. It emphasizes the collaborative efforts with key partners such as the World Bank and the European Union to support resilient livelihoods, ensure food security, and enhance climate adaptation.
A notable aspect of the plan sheds light on marginalized ethnic groups, particularly the Muhamasheen, and emphasizes the crucial need to fortify justice systems while respecting the right to mental health. The document also underscores the UN's commitment to the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy, its support for the country's security actors, and its focus on preventing marine pollution and promoting climate resilience.
Furthermore, the strategic direction elucidates the profound impact of the Yemeni crisis on the economy, and job loss, and stresses the necessity for collaboration between local authorities and the private sector.
The document advocates for addressing water scarcity and water-related conflicts in Yemen, advocating for nature-inspired solutions and utilizing the Crisis Risk Dashboard for area-based social risk monitoring. Gender justice, funding through the Multi-Partner Trust Fund modality, and addressing climate-related peace and security risks are also emphasized.
In specific terms, the strategic plan outlines key projects, including the Social Protection Enhancement and COVID-19 Response Project, Yemen Food Security Response and Resilience Project, and Sustainable Fishery Development in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Project.
the UNDP Yemen – Strategic Direction (2023 – 2025) serves as a comprehensive roadmap to tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by Yemen. From infrastructure rehabilitation and diplomatic endeavors to addressing social contracts, marginalized groups, climate resilience, and gender justice, the document underscores the importance of collaboration, evidence-based interventions, and a steadfast commitment to mitigating the socio-economic impacts of the crisis while fostering sustainable development and resilience in Yemen.