Yemen's Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Mohammed Jumaih , announced on Friday, June 21, 2024, that the organization has approved five projects to support journalism in Yemen.

According to the Yemeni news agency Saba, Jumaih stated that UNESCO held a conference in Paris for the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), where Yemen, for the first time since the program's establishment 44 years ago, holds the position of Vice President of the program's bureau.

The ambassador highlighted that the Yemeni delegation nominated Yemeni journalist Khaled al-Khalid, residing in Paris, to represent the country during the conference.

Jumaih explained that the conference approved all recommendations drafted by the Yemeni mission to UNESCO for funding projects related to Yemen, submitted by independent non-governmental organizations and institutions last December.

According to Jumaih , the approved projects include:

• Digital Storytelling for Gender Equality in Yemen: This project focuses on promoting gender equality through digital storytelling.
• Digital Empowerment of Yemeni Women: This project aims to empower Yemeni women through digital literacy and access.
• Artificial Intelligence in Journalism Programs in Higher Education in the Arab Region: This regional project explores the integration of AI in journalism education.
• Empowering Media Excellence in Conflicts: This regional project, led by the Gulf Center for Human Rights, focuses on strengthening media professionalism in conflict zones.
• Enhancing the Safety of Journalists in the Middle East: This regional project aims to improve the safety and security of journalists in the region.

These projects, funded by UNESCO, represent a significant step towards supporting independent journalism and media development in Yemen, a country facing ongoing conflict and challenges to freedom of expression.