Saudi Program Strengthens Yemen Development Partnerships

The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) conducted several bilateral meetings today on the sidelines of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. The meetings focused on strengthening development partnerships and exploring new opportunities for cooperation in Yemen.

Engagement with World Bank Officials

The SDRPY delegation, led by Assistant General Supervisor Eng. Hassan Al-Attas, met with Fadia Saadah, Regional Director for Human Development in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan Region at the WBG. The discussion reviewed ongoing development efforts in Yemen and ways to enhance collaboration between SDRPY and the WBG.

Collaboration with Global Partnership for Education

The delegation also met with Laura Frigenti, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Partnership for Education, to discuss opportunities to support Yemen’s education sector. The talks focused on joint initiatives and strengthening partnerships to expand learning opportunities for children and youth across the country.

Overview of Education Projects

SDRPY presented its current development projects in the education sector, highlighting 56 initiatives. These include building model schools, developing universities, establishing colleges and institutes, creating laboratories, and implementing capacity-building programs for educational staff. These projects aim to improve education quality and access in various governorates of Yemen.

Broader Development Efforts

The program’s participation in the WBG and IMF Annual Meetings reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable development in Yemen. To date, SDRPY has implemented 265 development projects across eight key sectors, contributing to infrastructure, health, education, and economic growth throughout the country.

International Partnerships

SDRPY collaborates with multiple regional and international partners, including the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). It also works closely with the WBG on several projects, such as the Lifeline Project, which serves as a model of integrated international development cooperation and demonstrates the effectiveness of partnership in advancing Yemen’s development goals.

Advancing Sustainable Development

Through these engagements, SDRPY aims to consolidate efforts with global institutions to enhance capacity-building, infrastructure development, and service delivery across Yemen. These partnerships are intended to provide long-term benefits, strengthen local governance, and create sustainable growth opportunities for Yemeni communities.

Focus on Education as a Priority

Education remains a central focus of SDRPY’s development strategy. By collaborating with international partners, the program seeks to modernize educational facilities, improve teaching quality, and ensure that students in Yemen gain access to comprehensive learning resources. These initiatives also support the broader goal of national development and social progress.