On December 26, 2024, Saleh Al-Saqaf, the Director of the Planning and International Cooperation Office in Marib, northeastern Yemen, met with representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to discuss the progress of the Institutional and Economic Resilience Enhancement Project (SIERY) and efforts to boost local development in the province.

The meeting took place in Marib city and included Maher Meret, the UNDP field coordinator, and Mohammed Al-Maawri, the director of the local economic development project under the Coalition for Humanitarian Relief. Discussion focused on the sesame project and anticipated challenges that may arise during its implementation, which aims to contribute to local economic development through the Coalition's partnership.

Al-Saqaf emphasized that the SIERY project, funded by the European Union and executed by UNDP in collaboration with the Coalition for Humanitarian Relief, is crucial given the widespread displacement and ongoing conflicts severely affecting vulnerable groups, including women, children, and youth. He noted that empowering local authorities to provide essential services and manage crises is a fundamental step towards achieving stability and sustainable recovery.

The project aims to enhance local authorities' capabilities in various areas, including disaster management, conflict resolution, and provision of basic services, with a strong focus on economic recovery in affected communities.

This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen local and international partnerships to address economic and institutional challenges in Yemen and ensure local authorities can continue to meet the needs of affected populations.