Barran Press
The Knowledge Exchange Forum in Marib, northeastern Yemen, wrapped up on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, after three days of engaging discussions and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing sustainable development.
Held under the theme “Towards a Knowledge Partnership for Sustainable Development,” the forum featured representatives from five provinces: Al-Mahrah, Hadramaut (both valley and coast), Shabwa, Aden, and Marib. The event brought together researchers, academics, and members from both public and private sectors, alongside civil society organizations.
Participants focused on three main topics: education, revenue generation, and improving the investment environment. The forum showcased various papers, international experiences, and local case studies, with intensive discussions and workshops aimed at developing innovative solutions and practical recommendations.
According to the final statement, key recommendations included enhancing educational infrastructure, providing operational budgets for stalled projects, updating curricula to meet educational needs, improving teacher conditions, increasing salaries, and supporting e-learning through modern technology.
For revenue development, attendees emphasized the need to improve tax and customs collection mechanisms, enhance transparency, utilize technology for financial systems, and expand cooperation with the private sector to diversify revenue sources.
In terms of boosting the investment environment, participants called for improved infrastructure, updated investment laws to protect investor rights, and offered incentives to encourage public-private partnerships.
Jamal Qasim Al-Jaafari, Director General of Administrative Development Research and Training, noted that Yemen has faced significant challenges following the Houthi coup, but positive efforts in various provinces have emerged to overcome these obstacles and restore hope for citizens.
The forum highlighted the local authority's commitment to facilitating knowledge exchange and showcasing successful initiatives to strengthen collaboration among participating provinces.
Closing the event, participants praised the efforts of the General Administration of Administrative Development Research and Training in organizing the forum, which they deemed a vital platform for sharing ideas and fostering partnerships across sectors to achieve sustainable development.