Republic of Yemen

18/05/2013 - UNDP and the Government's Cleaning and Improvement Fund partner in Taiz Governorate to empower youth economically

After a few days of starting the 3X6 approach in Aden, the Government of Yemen, through its Youth Economic Empowerment Project (YEEP) implemented with support from UNDP and the Governments of Japan and Korea launched new activities in Taiz on May 9, aiming to create sustainable employment for young disadvantaged Yemenis.

14/05/2013 - Nadia Al Sakkaf – a Yemeni Businesswoman receives Business for Peace Award, honored on May 14th at Akershus Nobel Prize Fortress in Oslo

This year, UNDP has developed a new strategic partnership with the Business for Peace Foundation and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to promote the Business for Peace Award. UNDP country offices were invited to support this year’s nomination process. Nominations were received from over 50 countries, and a Yemeni business woman, Nadia Al Sakkaf, nominated by UNDP Yemen, has been chosen as Honoree.

02/05/2013 - 3x6 Approach Launched in Aden to Mitigate Youth Unemployment and Address Water Scarcity

The Government of Yemen, through its Youth Economic Empowerment Project (YEEP) implemented with support from UNDP and the Governments of Japan and Korea launched the "3x6 approach" on May 2, aiming to create sustainable employment for young disadvantaged Yemenis in Aden.

30/04/2013 - Yemenis Consider Post-2015 Developmental Needs

“We would like our childhoods to be colored by rosy, joyous colors, not impregnated by the red of bloody conflicts” Sara Aziz, a member of the Democratic School in Sana’a, said in the ‘The World We Want’ conference held Monday 21st April, in Sana’a.

13/04/2013 - UNDP's official: new electoral roll implementation still needs $ 20 mln

SANA’A, April 13 (Saba)- The UNDP’s Representative in Yemen has affirmed that the implementation of the new electoral roll in Yemen still needs $ 20 million. 

04/04/2013 - The International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

Today the world is celebrating the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

02/04/2013 - Human Development Status in Yemen

On Wednesday, 27 March 2013 UNDP Country Office presented to the members of the National Dialogue Conference (NDC) the status of Human Development in Yemen.

16/03/2013 - 2013 Human Development Report

The rise of the South is radically reshaping the world of the 21st century, with developing nations driving economic growth, lifting hundreds of millions of people from poverty, and propelling billions more into a new global middle class, says the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) 2013 Human Development Report.

11/03/2013 - Graduation Ceremony Marks the Success of the first phase of the UNDP's "3x6" Youth Employment Approach

A graduation ceremony was conducted today to celebrate the successful completion of the first phase of the "3x6 approach" aiming to empower youth with sustainable employment. The ceremony was organized by the Government of Yemen via its Youth Economic Empowerment Project which is implemented by For All Foundation and supported by UNDP and the Governments of Japan and Korea.

08/03/2013 - Editorial: Violence against women is neither inevitable nor acceptable

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we look back at a year with shocking crimes of violence against women and girls worldwide. We all remember the story of the Pakistani girl Malala Yousafzai who was shot on 9 October last year, while returning home on a school bus. In Yemen, some girls are forced to marry when they are still children, sometimes as young as eight years old.

08/03/2013 - Secretary-General's remarks at observance of International Women's Day: “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women”

I feel a great strength, great power and energy and dynamism from all of you. This room is too small to accommodate all your energy.

24/02/2013 - A large partnership to assess governance in Yemen: The Government and UNDP launch challenging study.

Sana’a, Sunday, 24 February 2013 – Dr. Mohammad Al-Saadi, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, H.E Ali Mohammed Al-Yazidi, Minister of Local Administration, Minister of Local Administrator, and Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez UNDP Senior Country Director will sign today a project document to undertake an assessment of formal and informal governance in Yemen. A large partnership, comprising the Government of Yemen as well as the academia and national NGOs, will be in charge of conducting this unprecedented exercise in the country.

24/02/2013 - USAID increases support to national capacity building

Sana’a, Sunday, 24 February 2013 – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced today its support to the Emergency Capacity Development Facility managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initial 1,000,000 USD contribution will be channeled to Yemen via the UNDP Thematic Trust Fund for Crisis Prevention and Recovery through an agreement between the Headquarters of the agencies.

24/02/2013 - Mines action becomes critical for economic recovery: New partnership between Yemen and the UNDP.

Sana’a, Sunday, 24 February 2013 - The Government of Yemen (GoY( and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed today an important project document to address the most critical priorities of mines action in Yemen.

24/02/2013 - A large partnership to assess governance in Yemen: The Government and UNDP launch challenging study.

Sana’a, Sunday, 24 February 2013 – Dr. Mohammad Al-Saadi, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, H.E Ali Mohammed Al-Yazidi, Minister of Local Administration, Minister of Local Administrator, and Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez UNDP Senior Country Director will sign today a project document to undertake an assessment of formal and informal governance in Yemen. A large partnership, comprising the Government of Yemen as well as the academia and national NGOs, will be in charge of conducting this unprecedented exercise in the country.

18/02/2013 - Government of Yemen with UNDP and Government of Japan present on the ground to support job creation for youth

Minister of Youth, Japan Ambassador, UNDP Senior Country Director, MOPIC Deputy Minister, Deputy Secretary of the Capital and PM Advisor listen to the voices of youth and their business ideas

16/02/2013 - UN Secretary General declares Yemen eligible to Peacebuilding support

Yemen has been declared “eligible” to the United Nations Peace-building Fund.

15/02/2013 - Launch of the 2013 Human Development Report

The 2013 Human Development Report – "The Rise of the South: Human Progress in a Diverse World" – will be launched on 14 March in Mexico City by President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico and UNDP Administrator Helen Clark.

20/01/2013 - In response to the country’s transitional needs: UNDP is supporting the Government of Yemen with youth economic empowerment

Bringing innovation to youth employment generation:
UNDP, GoY and Government of Japan launch the 3x6 approach in Yemen for Inclusiveness, Ownership and Sustainability

17/12/2012 - The United Nations Development Programme reconfirms its strong commitment and support to the transitional process
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reconfirms its strong commitment and support to the transitional process through its continued support to Yemen’s update to the Voter Registry, Constitutional Referendum and post-Referendum elections by the signing of an agreement in the amount of 27 million SEK (approximately US $4 million) with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) for the implementation of the Support to the Elections during the Transitional Period (SETP) project in Yemen.

05/12/2012 - UNV celebrating the International Volunteers Day

Sana'a, The United Nations Volunteers Program in Yemen celebrated the International Volunteers Day under the slogan of “Volunteer Work Counts” on Wednesday, December 5.

05/12/2012 - President Hadi bans use of children in armed forces

President Abd Rabo Mansour Hadi on 27 November banned the recruitment of children into any military and security forces in Yemen.

04/12/2012 - United Nations Secretary-General compliments Yemen for having embraced a peaceful transition

Back in NY following his visit to Yemen, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon compliments the nation for having embraced a peaceful transition.

19/11/2012 - Secretary-General's remarks on the First Anniversary of the Conclusion of the Yemen Peace and Transition Agreement, Sana'a, Yemen

I am very pleased to be here today, nearly a year after you concluded the historic agreement for a peaceful transition in Yemen.

08/10/2012 - The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC) acknowledges UNDP's support in the preparation for Riyadh’s donor conference.

In an official ceremony, the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Mohammad Al-Saadi, presented today appreciation certificates to UNDP Resident Representative – UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, UNDP Senior Country Director Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez, UNDP Head of Advisory Unit Mr. Abdo Seif and UNDP Project Manger in MoPIC Ms. Hiba Ahmed.

01/10/2012 - Humanitarian crisis threatens political transition in Yemen: UN official
UN humanitarian coordinator slams international community's undue focus on Yemen's political process at expense of country's dire humanitarian situation

27/09/2012 - Yemen President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi meets UNDP Administrator Ms. Helen Clark in New York

President of the Republic of Yemen, Mr. Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi, met on Tuesday United Nations Development Programme Administrator, Ms. Helen Clark, in New York.

09/09/2012 - United Nations System in Yemen hails Riyadh donor meeting

The two-day meeting of Yemen’s donors   4-5 September has demonstrated the commitment of the international community to support Yemen to overcome current development and humanitarian challenges in addition to ensuring   the timely and honest implementation of the GCC initiative and its implementation mechanism.

15/08/2012 - UNDP Provides Technical Support to the Transitional Justice in Yemen

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Yemen (GoY) signed today the Support to the Implementation of Transitional Justice in Yemen (2012 – 2014) Project, at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC).

01/08/2012 - Call for proposal for the Microfinance fund

This initiative is implemented in partnership with NGOs of PLHIV, UNDP COs, Women's NGOs (usually specialized in micro-credit), UN partners, and the UNDP HIV Regional Programme

24/07/2012 - UNDP and the Government of Yemen Sign Two Project Documents to Support Human Rights and Biodiversity

Sana’a, Tuesday, 24 July 2012 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Government of Yemen (GoY( signed today two important projects documents at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC).

13/07/2012 - Crise humanitaire au Yémen : 87 millions de dollars nécessaires pour une réponse d'urgence

Au Yémen, les tensions politiques et le terrorisme viennent aggraver la situation humanitaire, déjà très précaire après des mois de sécheresse et d'instabilité. En conséquence, davantage d'argent est nécessaire pour secourir la population, notamment dans le gouvernorat d'Abyan, au Sud du pays, théâtre d'affrontements récents entre les forces du gouvernement et les insurgés.

26/06/2012 - UN Resident Coordinator meets with the Yemeni Nobel Prize Laureate Ms. Tawakkol Karman

Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, met today with Ms. Tawakkol Karaman, Nobel Prize Laureate for Peace in her tent in Tagheer Square, in Sana’a.

02/07/2012 - With the Participation of the UN RC Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Yemen Launches Transitional Program for Stabilization and Development 2012-2014

SANAA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Yemen launched on Monday a transitional program for 2012-2014 that aimed at restoring political, security and economic stability with external aid.

01/07/2012 - National Consultative Workshop on Arab Youth Volunteering for a Better Future

The National Consultative Workshop on Arab Youth Volunteering for a Better Future was launched on Sunday 1 July 2012 in Sana’a. Under the patronage of Mr. Mohammad Al-Saadi, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, and with the participation of Mr. Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, the 2-day workshop aims to facilitate a participatory dialogue, involving different youth factions, to create an enabling environment for youth to take the lead in designing and implementing programmes.

22/06/2012 - Rio+20 Legacy: World Centre for Sustainable Development launched by Brazil and UNDP

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 22 June 2012—As a major and concrete legacy of the Rio+20 Conference, the Brazilian Government announced the creation of Rio+ Centre, the World Centre for Sustainable Development, at a ceremony this morning attended by Izabella Teixeira, Brazil’s Minister for the Environment and Helen Clark, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator.

20/06/2012 - Going beyond GDP, UNDP proposes human development measure of sustainability

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 20 June 2012—In a high-level forum at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development today the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) presented the conceptual groundwork for a  future "Sustainable Human Development Index," which would recognize the cost of human development to future generations.

10/06/2012 - UNDP Expands its Economic, Social and Developmental Support to the Youth of Yemen

Sana’a, 9 June 2012 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Yemen (GoY), represented by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, signed two project documents today at the Ministry, to support Yemeni youth.

19/05/2012 - (Volunteering Football League Championship 2012) for Youth Groups and Volunteering Organizations was Inaugurated

Sana’a, Thursday 17 May 2012, Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, UN Resident Coordinator – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, inaugurated today Volunteering Football League Championship 2012. Fifteen football teams from Youth

14/05/2012 - Invitation to the opening ceremony of the Volunteerism Football League

Under the Theme (Volunteers for Yemen) On behalf of Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, We are pleased to invite you for the opening ceremony of the Volunteerism Football League

13/05/2012 - Signing of "Emergency Capacity Development Facility" Project Document, Ould Cheikh Ahmed: This is an Important Step to Confirm our Support to the Needs of Transition

Sana’a, 12 May 2012 - A signing ceremony of “Emergency Capacity Development Facility” project document was held today in Sana’a, between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) , and the Government of Yemen (GoY), represented by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC).

29/04/2012 - Second Consultative Workshop to Review and Update the National Fisheries Sector Strategy

Sana’a, 29/4/2012 - Under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Mohammad Salem Basendwa, Prime Minster of Yemen, the Ministry of Fisheries has conducted the Second Consultative Workshop to Review and Update the National Fisheries Sector Strategy in Sheba Hotel, in the period form 29 – 30 April 2012.

24/04/2012 - Thousands Turn Out in 160 Countries for World Premier of ‘One Day on Earth’
New York, 23 April  2012—A feature-length documentary film that captures scenes from life in every country in the world —all in one day on 10 October 2010—  was screened in 160 countries on Earth Day, April 22, 2012. Theaters were filled to capacity from Andorra to Zimbabwe, including the famed Mann Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.

14/04/2012 - New United Nations Resident Coordinator (UN RC)/ United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative (UNDP RR) Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed arrives in Yemen.

Sana'a, Saturday 14 April 2012,Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed has been newly appointed, by the United Nations Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, as UN Yemen Resident Coordinator and UNDP Yemen Resident Representative, and he arrived in Sana’a. He presented his credentials today to H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abu Bakr Al Qirbi, and he assumed his duties immediately. In addition to the above mentioned position, Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed is also the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator.

05/03/2012 - Ms. Amat Al-Alim Alsoswa is Visiting Yemen on an Official Mission

Sana’a, Monday 05 March 2012, Ms. Amat Al-Alim Alsoswa, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Assistant Administrator of United Nations Development Programme and Director of its Regional Bureau for Arab States, has arrived today to Sana’a for a three-day official mission that will last until Thursday 08 March 2012.

22/02/2012 - Yemen takes historic step as millions vote

Sana’a - After months of chaos and the ghost of civil war, Yemen marked a new chapter Tuesday as millions of Yemenis voted to end the turmoil and move towards a new future.
 

20/02/2012 - UNDP Yemen to Create a Photo e-Gallery on Elections -Available to Public

Sana’a 20 February 2012, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Support of Elections during the Transitional Period has employed eight Yemeni professional photographers to document all kind of activities related to the Early Presidential Elections.

18/02/2012 - UNDP Country Director speaks to 14 October: We supported the Elections with 15 million dollars Project.

Ms. Randa Aboul-Hosn, UNDP Yemen Country Director, said to the 14 October Daily :
UNDP is one of the UN development programme. It works in Yemen in good governance - which includes elections - Poverty Reduction and livelihoods, Support to youth and women, and environment:

10/02/2012 - IRIN:YEMEN: Despite its flaws election gives hope

SANA'A, 10 February 2012 (IRIN) - A presidential election to be held on 21 February in Yemen will open the door for a new chapter in the poorest and arguably most fragile country in the Arab world, says new Prime Minister Mohammed Salim Ba-Sindwa.

07/02/2012 - UN Peace-Building Fund Contributes One Million Dollars to Support the Early Presidential Elections in Yemen
Sana’a, 7 February 2012, The UN Peace-Building Fund (PBF) has allocated one million dollars to the UNDP "Support to Elections During the Transitional" Project.

06/02/2012 - YemenTimes: Front Page: ALARMING NUMBER OF EXPLOSIVES IN ADEN

SANA’A – Seven displaced children were injured after playing with an explosive device in Aden on Wednesday. Around 17,000 explosive remnants of war and land mines were removed from Abyan since June 2011, according to The Yemen Mine Action Committee (YEMAC) in Aden.

02/02/2012 - Helen Clark: UNDP provided electoral support in Tunisia & Egypt, and is working to support the early presidential election in Yemen.

 Members of the Executive Board, Colleagues and friends,

Let me begin by congratulating the Permanent Representative of Sweden, H.E. Mr. MÃ¥rten Grunditz, from the group of Western Europe and Other States, on his election as President of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board.

02/02/2012 - World Business and Development Awards open call for business contributions to sustainable development

London, New York, Paris, 2 February 2012—The World Business and Development Awards today launched a call for nominations for successful business initiatives that are in line with the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development. All organisations, regardless of size or location, engaged in innovative business models that are delivering both commercial success and helping improve social, economic and environmental conditions are eligible to apply online by 25th March 2012 by downloading the form at www.worldbusinessawards.net/nominate.

30/01/2012 - Handicrafts Workers Symposium in Sana’a
Sana’a, 30 January 2012 – The Handicraft Symposium and Traditional Sana’ani Craft Exhibition were inaugurated today, in Sana’a, under the patronage of H.E. Saa’d ElDin Ali Salem Ben Taleb, Minister of Trade and Industry. The Symposium and the Exhibition are supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Economic Diversification Programme.

27/01/2012 - Norwegian United Nations worker held in Yemen, released unharmed

 Sana’a – The UN staff member, who has been held in Yemen since 15 January 2012, arrived today in a UN safe haven in Sana’a after he was released earlier in Ma’rib. He is in good health and is receiving standard medical examinations and psychological counselling. He has been in touch with his family and will be reunited with them in Norway soon.

22/01/2012 - Germany Makes the First Contribution to the UNDP Multi-Partners Basket Fund for Elections

A signing Ceremony of the Cost-Sharing Agreement (CSA) between the Government of Federal Republic of Germany and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was held today in Sheba Hotel. According to this CSA, the Government of Germany allocated Euro 750.000 (US$ 950.000) to support the upcoming Early Presidential Elections in Yemen.

21/01/2012 - Invitation to attend the Signing Ceremony of the Cost-Sharing Agreement (CSA) between the Government of Federal Republic of Germany and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)to support the UNDP’s Multi-donors Basket Fund for Elections.

 In the presence of H.E. Judge Mohammad Husein AlHakimi, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Elections and Referend H.E. Mr.  Holger Green, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Yemen Mr. Gustavo Gonzales, UNDP Senior Country Director Signing Ceremony of the Cost-Sharing Agreement (CSA) between the Government of  Federal Republic of Germany and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will be signed to support the UNDP’s Multi-donors Basket Fund for Elections During the Transitional Period.

15/01/2012 - Invitation to the Inauguration Ceremony of SCER Women Department Awareness Campaign to mobilize female voters in the early presidential elections in 5 provinces on 16th of January 2012 at 9:30 Sana’a, Taj Sheba Hotel

The Inauguration Ceremony of  SCER Women Department Awareness Campaign to mobilize female voters in the early presidential elections in 5 provinces (Sana'a - Aden - Taiz - Hajj - Houdromot "Socotra")

21/12/2011 - US$ 15 million to support the Early Presidential Elections in Yemen
To support the Early Presidential Elections (on 21 February 2012), the “Support to Elections During the Transitional Period” Project Document was signed today at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. The US$ 15 million project aims to support the Government of Yemen (GoY), and the Supreme Commission on Elections and Referendum (SCER), in particular, in reinforcing the electoral cycle by conducting fair, open and inclusive elections within the terms of the Gulf Countries Council (GCC) Initiative (signed in Riyadh on 24 November).

06/12/2011 - UNDP provides Emergency Assistance for Abyan IDPs

 The impact of the unrest situation on social and economic landscape of Abyan has been dramatic and devastating. According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), close to 90,000 persons were forced to flee outside the conflict area as Internal Displaced Peoples (IDPs). Abyan governorate had the lion-share of IDPs, with just over forty thousand displaced in the governorate. Half of them took refuge in the schools and public premises in Aden, looking for any life-saving and critical support that would help them cope with their displacement and decrease their vulnerability.

05/12/2011 - Volunteerism Matters

 The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV), and many youth groups, celebrated today the International Volunteer Day in Al Boustan hotel, in Sana’a.

22/10/2011 - UNDP to launch 2011 Human Development Report "Sustainbility and Equity: a Better Future for All"
Although living standards in most countries have been rising and converging for several decades, the 2011 Human Development Report projects a disturbing reversal of those trends if environmental deterioration and social inequalities continue to intensify, with the least developed countries diverging downwards from global patterns of progress by 2050.

23/09/2011 - The UN System in Yemen is not leaving.
The UN system is not leaving Sanaa or Yemen. We have analyzed our current numbers and presence and what programs we can continue to implement in light of the insecurity.

15/06/2011 - UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM IN YEMEN DEPLORES THE USE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST CIVILIANS

 (Sanaa, June 15, 2011): The United Nations System in Yemen expresses deep concern about the escalation of violence in the South of Yemen and particularly in Abyan where armed confrontations have caused intolerable suffering among the civilian population. As a result of the armed clashes, thousands of people including women and children have been forcefully displaced to Aden, Lahj and rural communities in Abyan.

30/04/2011 - UNDP defers programmes for Yemen, Bahrain and Syria

New York — In light of developments in the region, UNDP is deferring its upcoming five-year programmes for Yemen, Bahrain and Syria pending further review. The decision was taken by UNDP to ensure that new programmes address the evolving development needs of the people in each country.

18/03/2011 - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Yemen

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the use of live ammunition today by the security forces of Yemen against demonstrators in Sana'a that has reportedly left more than 30 People killed and many seriously injured.

12/03/2011 - Statement attributable to the Secretary-General on Yemen

The Secretary-General is greatly concerned about the deteriorating situation in Yemen. In particular, he condemns the excessive use of force by the security forces of the Government of Yemen against peaceful demonstrators in Sana'a on 12 March, which has led to the death of several people and the injury of many others.

The Secretary-General calls for utmost restraint. He urges the Government and opposition groups to reach an understanding on entering into a genuine and broad based dialogue leading to concrete results so as to avert a further deterioration of the situation.

The Secretary-General calls on the Government of Yemen to uphold international human rights standards and to investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations.

08/03/2011 - UNDP Administrator Helen Clark MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL WOME'S DAY 2011

On this 100^th International Women’s Day, we can dream of how the world can look if women have equal rights and opportunities to reach their full potential. 

Empowered women and girls have a truly transformative role to play in all our societies, with benefits for all.  Around the world, healthy, educated, employed, and empowered women break poverty cycles – not only for themselves, but for their families, communities, and countries too.

01/03/2011 - Yemen: UN human rights chief warns against use of force

GENEVA – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Tuesday warned Yemeni authorities against violent repression of planned mass peaceful protests, and called on the Government to protect the rights of demonstrators and journalists under international law.

28/02/2011 - The sixth issue of our UNDP Yemen Quarterly Newsletter (Yemeniate) is released

The sixth issue of our UNDP Yemen Quarterly Newsletter (Yemeniate) is released. This issue covers our activities from October 2010 to December 2010. Click on the link to follow.

For your comments, suggestions and feedbacks, you may send them to Yazan Al-Saghiry, Communications Officer, at yazan.al-saghiry@undp.org.

Also, feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who may be interested.

26/01/2011 - UN Development Chief calls for increased support to Yemen in face of challenges

Sana’a, Yemen, 26 January 2011—Wrapping up her visit to Yemen today, the Chair of the United Nations Development Group and UNDP Administrator Helen Clark welcomed the increased international interest being shown in supporting Yemen to tackle the challenges it faces, and expressed her hope that it will be translated into increased support for Yemen’s development.

“Yemen is confronting a range of concurrent challenges which need urgent attention,” she said. “With international support and with commitment in Yemen to drive a reform agenda, a step change in development is possible.”

25/01/2011 - UNDP Administrator visits UN projects in Amran Governorate

On her last field trip in Yemen, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator and United Nations Development Group (UNDG) Chair Ms. Helen Clark visited today three UN projects in Amran Governorates.

First, she visited the UNDP Mine Detection Dogs Center in Wadhi Dahr, in Amran Governorate. UNDP Administrator was shown dogs’ skills in detecting mines under difficult circumstances and in difficult terrains. In addition, the project presented to the UNDP Administrator the impressive achieved results in demining vast areas of the country and the plans for the future.

23/01/2011 - Yemen Prime Minister and UNDP Administrator witnessed the signature of the new United Nations Development Assistance Framework 2012 - 2015

The United Nation Country Team (UNCT) and the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, on behalf of the Government of Yemen, signed today the new United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2012 – 2015 for Yemen, in the presence of the Yemeni Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Ali Mohammad Mujawar and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator and Chair of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG), Ms. Helen Clark.

23/01/2011 - UNDP Administrator signed two important projects reaffirming UNDP's support to the Yemen's development

On the fourth day of her official visit to Yemen, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator and the United Nations Development Group Chair, Ms. Helen Clark, signed today two important project documents between UNDP and the Government of Yemen.

The first project is the UNDP Integrated Social Cohesion & Development Project (ISCD). With initial 4-year duration and a total budget of US$ 8,573,000, the project aspires to promote social cohesion concepts and culture among all segments of the society, and to prevent conflict through community driven development approaches. It will enhance the existing local governance reforms to build a closer interaction between the local government and the communities.

20/01/2011 - UNDP Administrator Begins Six Day Trip to Yemen

Helen Clark, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator and United Nations Development Group (UNDG) Chair, arrived today in Yemen for a six-day official visit.

During this mission, Helen Clark is expected to meet with high-level government officials and visit UNDP projects.  Miss Clark will also sign a number or agreements and projects to promote the developmental work between Yemen and the UN.

31/12/2010 - UN Women Becomes Operational

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women “UN Women” becomes formally operational on January 1, 2011.
The establishment of UN Women was taken in a historic vote by the United Nations General Assembly on 02/07/2010 and meant utterly to accelerate progress in meeting the needs of women and girls worldwide.

27/12/2010 - Prime Minister of Yemen receives a copy of the Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan 2011 globally appealing for $ 224 million

The Prime Minister of Yemen H.E. Dr. Ali Mohammad Mujawar met on Monday 27 December 2010 with the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Ms. Pratibha Mehta. During the Meeting, Ms. Mehta presented to H.E. Mujawar a copy of the Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan 2011, which was launched globally by UN Under Secretary General Ms. Valerie Amos in Geneva on 30^th November and locally launched in Sanaa on 19 December 2010.

06/12/2010 - Training Imams in Seiyun on Gender and Economic Empowerment

The Training of Trainers Workshop for Imams in Seiyun/ Hadramout Governorate today. The three day workshop (from 4 December – 6 December) was held in AlAhqaf Hotel, in partnership between the UNDP, represented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Gender and Economic Empowerment project (GEE), and the Department of Guidance and Endowment in Hadramout Governorate.

05/12/2010 - On the International Day of Volunteers: Volunteering for the MDGs

Sana’a, 5 December 2010– On International Volunteer Day, we recognize millions of people around the world who give their time and talent to tackle global challenges:  from volunteers working in their own communities on climate change adaptation and poverty reduction to those supporting global causes of peace, justice and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

23/11/2010 - OXFAM GB and UNDP Yemen Gender and Economic Empowerment Project will Collaborate to Promote Economic Empowerment in Hadramout Governorate for women and youth

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today to “collaborate for promoting women’s economic empowerment in Hadramout governorate”.  The MoU between the UNDP Gender and Economic Empowerment Project (GEE) and OXFAM GB envisages the implementation of activities and actions to lay the foundations of partnership between UNDP and OXFAM GB relevant projects.

16/10/2010 - Two-Year Agreement To Extend The (EC-UNDP Joint Electoral Assistance Project in Yemen) Was Singed

The Supreme Commission for Elections and Referendum (SCER), the United Nations Development Progamme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU), signed on Saturday 16/10/2010 a two-year agreement to extend the “EC-UNDP Joint Electoral Assistance Project in Yemen” until June 2012.

14/09/2010 - UNDP SALUTES ANTI-POVERTY PHOTOGRAPHERS: Photographers from India, Pakistan and Viet Nam win top prizes

New York, 14 September 2010—A photograph of female and male students in Pakistan working together on a circuit board in their engineering class was one of three winning photographs of a global anti-poverty photo contest. The other two winners, judged by UNDP Goodwill Ambassador and internationally-acclaimed actor Antonio Banderas and four photo journalists, feature a boy on his way to school in India and fishermen in Viet Nam bringing in the day’s catch.

08/09/2010 - ON 10.10.10 THE UNITED NATIONS JOINS “ONE DAY ON EARTH” TO CAPTURE PEOPLE’S STORIES ACROSS THE GLOBE:Global media event and online community to create a shared archive and feature film

New York, NY, 8 September 2010—On October 10, 2010, people across the world participating in the “One Day on Earth” project will capture an unprecedented global video snapshot of a single 24-hour period. Participants, ranging from teenagers with cell phones to Academy-Award nominated documentarians using the latest HD cameras, will film the world from their own perspective. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with “One Day on Earth” to help the project reach participants in 100 countries with low bandwidth, making it a truly global initiative.

01/08/2010 - YMN Officially Inagurated

The Yemeni Microfinance Network (YMN) Official inauguration was held on Sunday August 1st 2010 at the Mövenpick hotel in Sana’a.

The official launch was held under the patronage of H.E. Abdulkareem Ismael Al-Arhabi (Deputy Prime-Minister, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation and Managing Director of the Yemen Social Fund for Development).

27/07/2010 - Conference of the Arab Anti-Corruption and Integrity Network:“National Anti-Corruption Strategies and the Role of National Stakeholders”

The conference lasted two full days and featured the second general meeting of ACINET on 27 July 2010 where members reviewed the first cycle’s work progress and adopted the program of work for the second cycle (2010-2011) in addition to a number of resolutions, notably the transfer of the chairmanship of ACINET to the Republic of Yemen represented by the head of the Supreme National Authority for Combating Corruption, H.E. Mr. Ahmad Al Anisi.

17/07/2010 - Statement from the international humanitarian community on the death of Mr. Ahmed Al-Shami, Deputy Governor of Hajjaa and representative of IDP Executive Unit

The Humanitarian community in Yemen is profoundly shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Mr. Ahmed Al Shami, Hajjaa Deputy Governor and representative of IDP Executive Unit, in a car accident.

24/05/2010 - Training workshop on Building a Database to Register the Disasters in the Republic of Yemen

The Training Workshop on Building a Database to Register the Disasters in the Republic of Yemen is launched today in Sana’a and it will continue until 27 May 2010. The workshop is held by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ministry of Water& Environment (MWE) - represented by the Emergencies and Environmental Disasters Directorate - the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR), the Civil Defense, and the World Bank.

18/05/2010 - The Quality Control Laboratory for Fish/Fishery Products is Launched in Hodeidah

The Quality Control Laboratory for Fish/Fishery Products in Hodeidah, which is established under “Fishery Quality Control for Export Promotion” project, is inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Ali Mohammed Mujawar, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Yemen. The project is co-funded as follows: the UNDP provided USD 326,000, Integrated Framework provided USD 300,000, Ministry of Fish Wealth (MoFW) provided USD 244,000, and the Royal Netherlands Government provided USD 210,000.

27/04/2010 - “Economic Empowerment and Gender” Project Activities are Launched, in Hadramout Governorate

In the occasion of the visit of Ms. Amat Al-Alim Alsoswa, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Assistant Administrator of United Nations Development Programme and Director of its Regional Bureau for Arab States, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Yemen, represented by Hdramut Governorate, launched the “Economic Empowerment and Gender (EEG) Project activities. The launch ceremony started with the Deputy Governor for Valley and Desert Mr. Omair Mubarak Omair signing on the project document.

25/04/2010 - Two new projects to strengthen Local Governance and Gender and Economic Empowerment in Yemen

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Yemen (GoY) signed two project documents at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC).

22/04/2010 - UNDP Director of the Regional Bureau for the Arab States Amat Al-Alim Alsoswa visits Yemen

Ms. Amat Al-Alim Alsoswa, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Assistant Administrator of United Nations Development Programme and Director of its Regional Bureau for Arab States, visited Yemen for a ten-day official mission (from 23 April until 3 May 2010).

03/04/2010 - Mid-Term Review of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2007 – 2011

The Government of Yemen and UN Country Team held a joint meeting to discuss the findings of the mid-term review of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2007 – 2011 at the Mövenpick hotel. The meeting was co-chaired by the H.E Mr. Abdul Karim Ismail Al-Arhabi, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation and Ms. Pratibha Mehta, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator; in attendance were the representatives of the Parliament, Cabinet, Government and all the UN Agencies in Yemen.

19/03/2010 - SABA: Workshop on MDGs 2nd national report to be launched soon

08/03/2010 - Helen Clark: Statement on International Women's Day

Right now, the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is gathering in New York to review progress towards gender equality since the groundbreaking Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995.  That landmark conference recognized the barriers women face in achieving full equality, and an internationally agreed plan to address the problem, titled the Beijing Platform for Action, was adopted. 

07/03/2010 - Mine Risk Education Campaign to Target People Affected by Conflict in Sa’ada

Sana’a, 7 March 2010 – A coordinated mine risk education campaign will begin today in Yemen, with a focus on displaced and affected communities in Sa’ada, Hajjah and Amran governorates.

18/02/2010 - Statement by UNDP Administrator on Situation in Yemen

Helen Clark, Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), has welcomed the cease-fire in the conflict between the Government of Yemen and the Houthi rebels. Miss Clark added that UNDP will work with all parties in support of recovery and development of the region affected by the conflict.

She expressed her concern about the humanitarian situation in the affected region in northern Yemen, especially for some 250,000 persons displaced by the conflict.

18/01/2010 - Proceeds from Match Against Poverty to go to victims in Haiti, UNDP, Benfica, Ronaldo, Zidane raise funds for relief effort

Geneva, 18 January 2010—The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Benfica Foundation announced, today, that they will dedicate the proceeds from the 2010 Match Against Poverty taking place in Lisbon on January 25 to support relief efforts in Haiti.  In addition, a widespread advocacy campaign will accompany the broadcast of the match to encourage viewers to contribute personally. 

20/12/2009 - Development Challenges in the Arab States Report identifies six key challenges topped by:Adoption of pro-poor growth policies, creating 51 million new jobs by 2020, and macroeconomic policies that protect the poor against high prices due to global crises

Cairo, 20 December 2009 - Arab states need a new development model to reduce poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals, according to the “Development Challenges in the Arab States: A human development approach” report, launched today within the activities of the twenty-ninth session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Development and Social Affairs.

20/12/2009 - UN System and Yemen Celebrate Human Rights Day

Human Rights day in Yemen was observed with a renewed commitment and a call to rally around the message of “Embrace Diversity, End Discrimination”. Organized by the Ministry of Human Rights with the support of the United Nations System in Yemen, the even was largely attended officials from government agencies.

10/12/2009 - Statement from UNDP Administrator Helen Clark on the Occasion of International Human Rights Day (Theme: Non-Discrimination)

One of the founding principles of the United Nations is our faith in the dignity and worth of every person, without distinction on the basis of race, colour, sex, language, religion, property, birth or other status. Today, however, on International Human Rights Day, we are reminded that discrimination in all its forms continues to undermine this principle.

10/12/2009 - Ronaldo and Zidane Form Team to Take on SLBenfica All Stars of Lisbon and to Mobilize the Public in the Struggle to End Poverty

The 7^th edition of the Match Against Poverty to take place in Lisbon on 25 January 2010

Geneva/Lisbon 10 December 2009 – As Goodwill Ambassadors for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), football stars Ronaldo and Zinédine Zidane will play together with other renowned footballers for a friendly match against  a SLBenfica All Stars  team. For the first time, Ronaldo and Zidane will be on the same side in a match that will recall the urgency of working together to address global poverty.

05/12/2009 - THE SECRETARY-GENERAL - MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY (5 December)

This month in Copenhagen world leaders have an unprecedented opportunity to reach an ambitious and equitable agreement on climate change. On International Volunteer Day 2009, I would like to highlight the important role volunteers all over the world play in protecting our planet and advancing the important causes for which the United Nations works.

16/11/2009 - USD 1.3 million for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources Project II

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Yemen (GoY) signed a project document today, at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC).

The project document is a USD 1.3 million Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project, Phase II (SNRMP II). The Government of Yemen will contribute USD 400 thousand (250 thousand in cash,  100 thousand parallel financing and 50 thousand in kind), UNDP will contribute USD 800 thousand and will help mobilize an additional USD 200 thousand.

18/10/2009 - "Stand Up Take Action Against Poverty" campaign in Yemen

Over 900 people gathered at Al-Sabaeen Square Park, for a celebration organized by the Yemeni Coalition for Combating Poverty through the cooperation and support of UN Agencies in Yemen. The event included speeches by high officials and songs performed by local bands. The celebrations started by a "Stand Up" ceremony for two minutes saying “No to Poverty”.

09/09/2009 - USD 6 Million Project to Assist Floods Affected Areas in Hadramout and Al-Mahara Signed

19/08/2009 - USD 13 million for the Economic Diversification Support Programme, and USD 1,4 million for the support in Labour Market Information and Employment Policy Programme

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Yemen (GoY) signed two project documents today, at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC).

18/07/2009 - Human Security in Arab Countries: Towards a new perspective on development// By Amat Al Alim Alsoswa*

In just a few days, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will launch the fifth volume of the Arab Human Development Report series. Entitled “Challenges to Human Security in the Arab Countries,” the Report employs the wider definition of human security - first introduced in the 1994 global Human Development Report - as a magnifying lens to closely examine the condition of human development in the region. In this approach, analyses transcend traditional notions of security primarily focusing on the narrow concept of state security to embrace a much broader people-focused concept of security. The Report claims that ‘state security’ and ‘human security’ are interconnected, mutually-reinforcing goals. Yet it stresses that the prevailing pattern  of giving precedence to the former usually prevents the achievement of either goal, while a focus on ensuring human security in its multiple dimensions—a primary responsibility of the state—maximises development opportunities and reinforces the security of the state.

18/07/2009 - SNACC, UNDP give training to NGO’s & local councils

Almotamar.net - Chairman of the Supreme National Anti-Corruption Commission SNACC in Yemen said support of civil society organisations in enhancement of transparency and accountability would enable the Commission to perform an actual role that can put an end to dangerous deviations, whether during planning for the state budget or during the implementation.
Those remarks he has made on Saturday in opening the workshop on role of the civil society in enhancement of transparency and accountability in managing the state budget, organised by the SNACC in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme Programme (UNDP) where 30 persons from five civil society organisations are receiving training.

10/06/2009 - Emissions from Aden steel plant must be reduced

ADEN, June 10 (Saba) – The Environment Protection Authority in Yemen's port city of Aden has urged an urgent limit for gas emissions from the steel plant in the province.
A technical team must be set up now to study the situation at the plant, with the aim to recommend the best ways to reduce emissions, officials at the authority said.

06/06/2009 - Yemen, UNDP discuss reconstruction areas affected by flooding

MAHRAH, June 06 (Saba) - Mahrah governor Ali Khawdam discussed here on Saturday with UNDP International Expert joint mechanisms for the reconstruction of areas affected by flooding the county last year.

11/05/2009 - Ministry of local administration holds a meeting on a project of supporting decentralization
SANA'A, May 11 (Saba) - A consultative meeting was organized on Monday by the Ministry of Local Administration with the UNDP mission and representatives of women sectors in different government corporations and civil society organizations over arrangements for second phase for the project of supporting decentralization.
In the meeting, the deputy minister of the local administration for women development Khadijah Radman reviewed current situation of the women in local councils and their needs in field of capacity building.

01/04/2009 - Yemen, UN organizations annual meeting held in Sana'a
SANA'A, April 01 (Saba) - The annual meeting between the government and United Nations organizations working in Yemen was held here on Wednesday at Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.
The meeting co-chaired by Planning and International Cooperation Minister Abdul Karim al-Arhabi and UN Resident-Coordinator to Yemen Pratibha Mehta, was devoted for reviewing the UN country aid to Yemen.

26/03/2009 - SabaNews: UN development aid to Yemen to be reviewed on 1st April

SANA'A, March 26 (Saba) - The mid-term review of the UN development aid program is to be held in Sana'a next Wednesday, on 1st April.

10/03/2009 - The Arab Knowledge Report 2009: Towards knowledge Society in the Arab World// Cover design contest

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation invites all artistic talents, including university students, art colleges and schools to participate in design contest for the cover of "The Arab Knowledge Report 2009."

08/03/2009 - MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN

One year ago, I launched a campaign calling on people and governments the world over to unite to end violence against women and girls.  The campaign will run through 2015, the target date for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.  The link with the Goals is clear.  We must stop the habitual and socially ingrained violence that mars lives, destroys health, perpetuates poverty and prevents us from achieving women’s equality and empowerment.

08/02/2009 - NDC holds meeting with representatives of donor countries over NMAP

SANA'A, Feb. 08 (Saba)-The National Demining Committee (NDC) held a meeting with representatives of donor countries on Sunday over the achievements of the committee during the pervious period and its future plans.

07/01/2009 - IRIN: YEMEN: Poverty, lack of education boosting HIV/AIDS

SANAA, 7 January 2009 (IRIN) - Maha (not her real name), 22, has been a commercial sex worker since she was 17. She told IRIN she and her sister were forced into prostitution to provide food and medical treatment for their ailing mother.

More HIV/AIDS reports

"My father died when we were young and so my mother had to work as a house maid. We lived as destitutes and we could not continue our education. My mother got cancer and my sister and I decided to work on the street," she said.

"Prostitution has become our source of income. We have no education or skills... Job opportunities are very scarce," she said.

When asked whether she was at risk of HIV/AIDS, Maha said she had never been tested. "We hear about AIDS and all I know about it is that it is fatal. I think Yemen is safe as it is a Muslim country. AIDS comes from Western people and we don't sleep with them," she said.

Experts say Yemenis are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS as a result of high rates of poverty and lack of education.

Abdul-Hafed al-Ward, secretary-general of the Integrated Care Association for People Living with HIV, told IRIN: "Poverty and HIV/AIDS go together and whenever the former exists so does the latter." He said most HIV/AIDS cases were among the poor.

Yemen is ranked 153 out of 177 countries on the UN Development Programme's (UNDP’s) 2007-08 Human Development Index. According to the Poverty Assessment Report 2007 prepared by the UNDP, the World Bank and the Yemeni government, the percentage of poor people among Yemen's 21 million population stood at 34.8 percent. According to the UNDP office in Yemen, 15.7 percent of the population lives on less than US$1 a day and 45.2 percent live on less than US$2 a day.

Khaled Abdul-Majid, a programme officer at the UNDP office in Sanaa, said state institutions lacked the capacity to tackle HIV/AIDS, adding: "When there are not enough jobs, young people feel they have no future. Some resort to prostitution." He also said internal and external migration had played a role in spreading the virus.

10/12/2008 - Opinion Article by Pratibha Mehta, UN Resident Coordinator on the 60th anniversary of Human Rights Declaration: To Make a difference is not mission impossible

Can most Iraqi children play safely? Can Somali or Afghani people forget a long history of wars and instability? Can people living under authoritarian regimes speak freely? In our lives, we see few privileged, and so many underprivileged. Or, as someone put it, the world became an island for the rich, surrounded by seas of poor. In short, Utopia is very far.

17/11/2008 - Director of UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States is Visiting Yemen on an Official Mission

Ms. Amat Al-Alim Alsoswa, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Assistant Administrator of United Nations Development Programme and Director of its Regional Bureau for Arab States, will arrive to Sana’a starting a five-day official mission, from (18 – 22 November 2008).

11/11/2008 - The Match Against Poverty 2008, F

Geneva/Rabat – 11 November 2008 – UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors Ronaldo and Zidane announced that at least 40 friends and colleagues will be joining them on the pitch for the Match Against Poverty at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, at 18:00 local time, on November 17 in Fes Morocco.

01/11/2008 - UN Response to Hadramout Flooding

Following the announcement of an emergency by the President of Yemen, in the aftermath of the flash flooding which followed heavy rains on 24 and 25 October in the Hadramout and Al-Mahara governorates in eastern Yemen, the UN immediately engaged itself in a joint effort with the Government for an effective emergency response.

Emergency supplies were rushed in by UN agencies in the first 72 hours to provide medical supplies, essential food and non food items including tents, blankets, utensils, mosquito nets, water purification tablets, generators, etc.

On the first leg of the relief operation, the World Health Organization (WHO) prosent an Inter-Agency Diarrhea Disease Kit (IDDF), weighing two metric tons with medicine and medical supplies to the governorate of Al-Mahara This medical kit can benefit nearly 10,000 persons for a period of 3 months. WHO is also supporting the Ministry of Public Health and Population in enhancing disease surveillance systems, the control of vector born diseases, and is supporting a campaign to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases. WHO is procuring 7 metric tons of insecticides fo the Ministry of Public Health and Population for the indoor residual spraying campaign for protection from malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis and other diseases.

29/09/2008 - At the midpoint towards 2015: Achievements and challenges in the Arab regions pursuit to realize the MDGs// by Ms. Amat Al Alim Alsoswa*

16/09/2008 - Roundtable on the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Recommendations and Follow up

On Sunday 21st September 2008, 3:00 PM, at Moevenpick Hotel

08/09/2008 - Under the Patronage of H.E. Minister of Trade and Industry: United Nations Development Programme UNDP and the Government of Italy singed the Cost Sharing Agreement (CSA) for the Extension of Improve Trade and Industry License Registration Capabilities project

UNDP and the Government of Italy singed today the Cost Sharing Agreement for the Extension of Improve Trade and Industry License Registration Capabilities project. The signing ceremony was patronage and attended by H.E. Dr. Yahia Al Mutawakel, Minister of Trade and Industry.

12/08/2008 - UNV promotes volunteerism among Yemeni youth

UNV and partners have promoted volunteerism for young people in Yemen during celebrations for International Youth Day (IYD).

The IYD 2008 celebration themed 'Youth: Life and Hope' took place in the biggest shopping mall in the capital, Sana’a: the mall is one of the city's main youth gathering spots. During the event, UNV stressed the concept of volunteerism, its distinctive role in development, and its impact on the whole community. The message was widely delivered throughout the day and via media coverage across Yemen.

07/07/2008 - UNDP and the Government of Yemen signed another Four Projects of approximately 10 Million Dollars

In one go again, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yemen signed today four projects with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and respective parties. They will cover different aspects of development that fall within the mandate of UNDP.

The first project is a joint European Commission (EC) and UNDP electoral assistance to Yemen for the years 2008-2010. According to the project document, the EC and UNDP will provide technical assistance to develop the capacity of electoral institutions in Yemen including the Supreme Committee for Elections and Referendum (SCER). The project aims to enhance the capacity of the SCER to manage the different stages of the electoral process. Its main outcome is to help Yemen to conduct free and fair elections in the coming rounds aiming to reflect the will of the people. One of its major components also is to increase women’s participation in the electoral process.

01/07/2008 - NEW REPORT UNVEILS BUSINESS STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING THE POOR

New York, 1 July 2008— Creating Value for All: Strategies for Doing Business with the Poor, a new and groundbreaking report released today by the UN Development Programme (UNDP)  offers strategies and tools for companies to expand beyond traditional business practices and bring in the world’s poor as partners in growth and wealth creation. Part of UNDP’s Growing Inclusive Market’s initiative, the report draws on extensive case studies and demonstrates the effectiveness—both for human progress and for wealth creation—of more inclusive business models.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recently issued a call to action on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), urging an international effort to accelerate progress and to make 2008 a turning point in the fight against poverty. This report demonstrates concrete ways the private sector can join in this vital effort.

The poor have a largely untapped potential for consumption, production, innovation, and entrepreneurial activity. But the more business models integrate and include the poor, the more likely companies successfully pursuing revenues will also help in fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals.

28/05/2008 - The New United Nations Resident Coordinator (UN RC)/ United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative (UNDP RR) Ms. Pratibha Mehta arrives in Yemen

The newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator - UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Pratibha Mehta, arrived in Yemen, and assumed her duties starting Monday 26^th May 2008.

14/05/2008 - To Stress its Total Commitment to the Republic of Yemen: United Nations Development Programme Signed Three Project Documents in One Go!

Today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed three project documents with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC). One of these projects will be implemented at the national level, while the other two will be implemented at the regional level.

12/05/2008 - Signing of "Developing National Capacities to Address HIV/AIDS in Yemen (Phase-II)

A three-year (2008-2010) programme document on "Developing National Capacities to Address HIV/AIDS in Yemen (Phase-II)" was singed today at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. This US $ 10.6 million programme document, which is financed by the Global Fund, aims to support the Government of Yemen to maintain HIV prevalence rate amongst the general Yemeni population and high risk and vulnerable groups be stabilized, and the internationally recognized rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAs), including entitlement to humane medical care, are upheld by 2010. The programme also aims to increase coverage of HIV/AIDS- safe blood for transfusion, and to establish and enforce national blood safety standards. Moreover, the programme will also build national capacity in the health sector and other sectors to address HIV/AIDS in Yemen through scaling up of activities in the areas of awareness raising among leaders at all levels, the general population and the already identified high-risk and vulnerable groups. The Civil Society Organizations will play a major role in awareness raising and advocacy under this programme.

13/04/2008 - The Executive Coordinator of the Global Environment Facility (EEG/BDP/GEF), Mr. Yannick Glemarec Visit to Yemen

SANA'A, 13 April 2008: The Executive Coordinator of the Global Environment Facility (EEG/BDP/GEF) and UNDP Carbon Finance Manager, Mr. Yannick Glemarec, visited Yemen from 11- 14 April 2008, in order to consult with Government Officials and the Private Sector on the progress made so far in the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism. During his visit, Mr. Glemarec met: H.E. the Prime Minister of Yemen Dr. Ali Mohammed Mojawar, H.E. Minister of Water and Environment and Chair of the CDM Approval Board, H.E. Minister of Industry and Trade, H.E Minister of Oil and Minerals, and other Governmental officials.

04/04/2008 - MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS AND ASSISTANCE IN MINE ACTION FROM THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

The presence of landmines in at least 68 affected countries causes millions of women, men, boys and girls to live in fear of losing their lives, limbs or livelihoods while restricting their freedom to walk safely to work or school, graze livestock and travel to markets.

Although nearly 6,000 people fell victim to landmines and explosive remnants of war in 2007, these numbers are dramatically lower than they were only a few years ago.  Each year, mine action programmes around the world are clearing landmines from more than 100 square kilometres of land and teaching more than 7 million people how to avoid danger in infested areas. These efforts have helped reduce casualty rates. Still, the only acceptable casualty rate is zero.

04/04/2008 - CIVILIANS ACCOUNT FOR THREE OF FOUR VICTIMS OF LANDMINES AND EXPLOSIVE REMNANTS OF WAR/ April 4 is the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

NEW YORK, April 1, 2008—Landmines and explosive remnants of war continue to kill or injure thousands of people a year, United Nations officials say in observance of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. Three of every four casualties are civilians who trigger these devices years after a conflict ends.

According to UNICEF, the UN Children's Fund, children account for more than one-third of civilian casualties. Children are particularly prone to injury as they are naturally curious and often try to open or play with explosive items when they find them in and around their communities. Children are more likely than adults to die from their injuries.

20/03/2008 - The humble toilet can dramatically cut child deaths and generate economic growth, says the UN. In advance of World Water Day, the UN calls for increased commitment to tackling the international sanitation crisis

The theme of World Water Day this year is sanitation in support of the International Year of Sanitation 2008, as the lack of decent toilets and the contamination this causes is a root cause of unsafe water.

05/02/2008 - Flavia Pansieri, UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative, Interview with the YemenObserver: "The Government five-year development plan is very much focused on addressing poverty"

Flavia Pansieri, UN Resident Coordinator has contributed remarkably to the development process of Yemen during her tenure as  UN Resident Coordinator in the country for almost three and a half years.  Most people that she  was in touch with or who worked with her have praised her character, efforts, humor and modesty. As she is leaving Yemen to undertake her new career as head of the international volunteers program tomorrow, managing editor of the Yemen Observer, Mohammed al-Kibsi, seized  the opportunity and conducted the following interview.

13/02/2008 - Human Development Report (2007/2008) Launch: Fighting Climate Change: Human Solidarity in a Divided World

Under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Abdul Karim Ismail Al-Arhabi, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yemen and the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation launched the Human Development Report 2007/2008: Fighting Climate Change: Human Solidarity in a Divided World, on 13^th of February 2008.

          In his speech, Minister Al-Arhabi stressed that Yemen is facing environmental problems which manifest themselves mainly as water scarcity. He also mentioned that these problems are not simple natural occurrence only, they are also man made. "The government is facing up to these challenges and aims to create a balance between the needs human being and available resources. It is the only way to ensure that the future generations also have access to these resources" Al-Arhabi commented.

          Eng. Abdul Rahman Al Eryani, Minister of Water and Environment pointed out the dangers that emanate from the Global Warming. "1 in 19 person in developing countries is affected by climate change in one way or another" Al Eryani said.

          Mr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. said in his speech: " To respond to this great challenge (climate change), priority attention needs to be given to this issue". He also said: "