Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, met today in the temporary capital, Aden, with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative in Yemen, Francesco Galtieri, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and expand development programmes, particularly in the areas of population data, capacity building, and support for key sectors.

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Zouba emphasized that the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation serves as the Government of Yemen’s principal coordinating body for development and international cooperation. She highlighted the importance of reliable data and statistics in shaping national policies and development plans, particularly in light of the country’s current challenges, and commended UNFPA’s support for population programmes and statistical surveys that contribute to improving planning and evidence-based decision-making.

The Minister also outlined the Ministry’s efforts to prepare Yemen’s first comprehensive National Development Plan in years, based on international best practices and designed to strengthen coordination across government sectors. She called for enhanced institutional cooperation with the Central Statistical Organization to ensure the availability of accurate and up-to-date data that can support evidence-based policymaking.

Dr. Al-Zouba further stressed the importance of continued support from international partners, particularly UNFPA, in strengthening national planning and implementation capacities, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, and reinforcing the role of academic and health institutions in capacity building and service delivery.

For his part, the UNFPA Representative reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to continuing its support for the Government of Yemen and strengthening its partnership with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation to implement priority programmes, particularly in the areas of population, reproductive health, and youth empowerment.