Marib, Yemen - The city of Marib witnessed the historic launch of the "Marib Comprehensive Conference" on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024. The event brought together a diverse group of attendees, including prominent social and political figures, youth, women, and leaders from civil society organizations.

The conference, as explained by Naji Al-Hanishi, Secretary of the Facilitation Committee, aims to unite the people of Marib and secure their rights across various domains, including political, economic, social, educational, military, and security. These rights will be pursued at both local and national levels.

The conference's key objectives, as outlined in its foundational documents, include:

• Empowering Marib residents in public affairs: This involves ensuring their representation in national, regional, and international forums, as well as participation in peace dialogues.
• Liberating remaining governorate districts: The conference aims to work in collaboration with the state, military and security forces, and supporting entities to liberate the remaining districts of Marib and defend the land and its people.
• Promoting transparency and accountability: This includes ensuring the ethical and efficient use of resources, strengthening official oversight and accountability mechanisms, and establishing Marib as a model for effective governance.
• Empowering women: The conference prioritizes ensuring women's full rights and their active participation in public affairs.
• Supporting youth and the next generation: This involves providing knowledge, encouraging education and training, and supporting the families of martyrs and wounded soldiers.

Sheikh Abdulkarim bin Hamad Haider, head of the conference's facilitation committee, highlighted the long-standing struggles faced by the people of Marib, both in the past and in the current conflict. He described the aggression they have endured as "barbaric, brutal, and savage," resulting in significant casualties.

Haider emphasized that the conference serves as a platform for the people of Marib to address local policies across various domains, actively modernize local communities, and enhance their capabilities in preparation for a partnership in building a unified, democratic, and federal Yemen across all its territories.

He further asserted that the Marib Comprehensive Conference is an integral part of the national agenda, prioritizing local policies and community development. He explained that the conference's foundation lies in a broad partnership across political, social, and geographical spheres, emphasizing that the process of achieving this consensus took over eight months.

Sheikh Abdulkarim highlighted the committee's extensive efforts, including over 50 field visits to various Marib community leaders and over 100 meetings with political and social figures from different regions. He acknowledged that the path to achieving this consensus was not without its challenges.

He expressed confidence that all Marib residents, particularly the youth, will rally behind this consensus.

Speeches delivered by women and civil society organizations during the launch ceremony underscored the significance of the Marib Comprehensive Conference, expressing the hopes and aspirations of the governorate's residents for this unifying entity and pledging their unwavering support.

The conference's foundational document was approved by a unanimous vote. The conference will be comprised of 1,000 to 2,000 members from all geographical and social groups, while the Supreme Council will consist of 150 to 200 members.