From Shabwa to Aden: UN Meets Diverse Yemeni Activists, Hope Renewed for Peace
The cover photo: Discussions on the peace process in Yemen with civil society activists from across Yemen in Aden. Photo by: OSESGY.
Summary
Yemeni Civil Society Activists Convene for UN-led Peace Process
• Thirty Yemeni civil society activists met in Aden for a three-day meeting.
• The meeting emphasized the need for wider inclusion and community-driven solutions.
• The UN Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, acknowledged the role of civil society in the peace process.
• Civil society groups presented local peacebuilding successes and discussed potential scenarios and trust-building measures.
• They advocated for addressing immediate concerns like humanitarian crises, salary payments, and freedom of movement.
Thirty Yemeni civil society activists from across the country convened in Aden for a three-day meeting organized by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen. Representing diverse regions and coalitions, they discussed the UN-led peace process and emphasized the need for wider inclusion and community-driven solutions.
"We see many new faces, representing voices often unheard before," noted a woman leader from Shabwa. This reflects the UN's effort to broaden consultations beyond established parties, engaging women, youth, and various governorates.
UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg acknowledged civil society's crucial role: "You inspire our work and hope for over 30 million Yemenis. We draw inspiration from your local peacebuilding efforts."
Participants stressed the importance of recognizing all segments of society, especially marginalized groups and underrepresented regions, for a truly "Yemeni-owned" peace process. They suggested regular virtual meetings with the UN, active roles in negotiations and parallel discussions for marginalized groups.
"Yemenis deserve peace beyond the interests of warring parties," said a participant. "The process should serve the collective good and address the people's priorities."
Civil society groups presented local peacebuilding successes and discussed potential scenarios and trust-building measures. They emphasized aligning solutions with local needs and advocated for addressing immediate concerns like humanitarian crises, salary payments, and freedom of movement.
Recognizing the "Southern question" as critical, participants called for political attention to this longstanding issue.
Despite diverse backgrounds, they found common ground and expressed hope for a peaceful solution. "This meeting renews hope," concluded a leader from the Civil Alliance for Peace.
This dialogue marks a step towards a more inclusive and community-driven peace process in Yemen, reflecting the aspirations of its civil society.
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