The Yemeni government has called for international support to rebuild state institutions and restore their effectiveness, as well as to aid in reconstruction efforts and infrastructure development. This appeal was made by Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah Al-Zuba at a high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly. The meeting was held to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development.

Al-Zuba highlighted the devastating impact of the war in Yemen, which began in 2014, on the country's infrastructure, economy, and human development. She emphasized that millions of Yemenis have become dependent on humanitarian aid, and that the government's ability to achieve sustainable development goals has been severely undermined. The Foreign Minister stressed the need for international support to help Yemen transition from crisis response to recovery and development.

The Yemeni government is seeking support in several key areas, including rebuilding state institutions, restoring the rule of law, and promoting economic development. Al-Zuba emphasized that this support should be comprehensive, going beyond humanitarian aid and financial assistance to include technical and capacity-building assistance. This would enable the Yemeni government to provide basic services to its citizens and address the root causes of the crisis.

Al-Zuba also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and artificial intelligence to bridge development gaps and promote economic growth. She noted that the use of technology can help Yemen overcome some of the challenges it faces, including limited resources and infrastructure. However, she also cautioned that technology should be used in a way that promotes equality and does not exacerbate existing inequalities.

The Yemeni Foreign Minister emphasized that the right to development is a fundamental human right, and that it is essential to create an international environment that supports development. She called for increased investment in Yemen, as well as greater access to technology and expertise. Al-Zuba also stressed the need for reform of the international financial system to make it more equitable and responsive to the needs of developing countries.

The high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly was attended by representatives from over 100 countries, and was chaired by the President of the General Assembly. The meeting provided a platform for countries to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to the right to development, and to identify ways to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty.

Yemen's appeal for international support comes at a time when the country is facing significant development challenges. According to the UN, Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Arab region, with over 70% of the population living in poverty. The country also faces significant humanitarian challenges, including a severe food crisis and a large number of internally displaced persons.

Key points

  • Yemen seeks comprehensive international support to rebuild state institutions and infrastructure beyond humanitarian aid and financial assistance.
  • The Yemeni government aims to transition from crisis response to recovery and development, with a focus on rebuilding state institutions and promoting economic growth.
  • The use of technology and artificial intelligence is seen as crucial in bridging development gaps and promoting economic growth in Yemen.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.