Aden, Yemen – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) have successfully completed a vocational and business skills training project to empower over 1,500 young women and men in Yemen. The US$4 Million project, spanning from May 2023 to October 2024, has reached communities across 24 districts in Abyan, Aden, Ad Dhale, Al Maharah, Hadramaut, Lahj, Marib, Shabwah, and Taiz governorates. With a commitment to gender inclusivity, over 58% of trainees were women supported to enhance skills that will contribute to their livelihoods and local economies.

With young people (15-29 years) making up almost 30% of Yemen’s population, the overarching goal of the project was to empower rural youth with the relevant skills and support necessary to engage productively in economic and local recovery activities. By focusing on building market-driven vocational and technical skills, the project addressed the urgent need for skilled labor in the targeted governorates. Participants received comprehensive training tailored to the demands of local markets, equipping them with the tools to secure stable employment and contribute to their communities. 

Recognizing the importance of sustainable economic growth, the project also focused on supporting value chain development in promising business areas. By identifying and nurturing sectors with high potential, such as veterinary care, food processing, and solar equipment maintenance, enhancing vocational skills will create a ripple effect to benefit entire communities as a key part of UNDP’s strategic efforts to support development and economic recovery in Yemen.

“Empowering Yemeni youth with the skills they need to thrive is essential for building resilient communities. This project, thanks to our strong partnership with KSrelief, not only provides immediate support to individuals and families, but also lays the groundwork for sustainable economic development in Yemen,” says Zena Ali Ahmad, UNDP Yemen Resident Representative.

“KSrelief was pleased to partner with UNDP on this vocational and business skills training program to economically empower young women and men in Yemen. By providing young people in Yemen with job skills, we are not only helping them economically in the short term but are also ensuring that they can help their communities to become more resilient in the future,” says a KSrelief Representative. 

The success of the Vocational and Business Skills Training and Support Project Phase II, implemented with local partner SMEPS (Small and Micro Enterprise Promotion Service), underscores the commitment of KSrelief and UNDP to supporting sustainable development and economic empowerment in Yemeni communities. 

Press Contacts 

Miriam Pineau | Communication and Advocacy Lead | UNDP Country Office in Yemen | Miriam.Pineau@undp.org

Fanar Idris Alshehri | Int’l Communication & Media Centre | Ksrelief | +966112072901 (4324) | f.i.alshehri@ksrelief.org

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. http://www.undp.org

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) is an international organization that provides humanitarian aid and relief outside Saudi Arabia. KSrelief was founded in 2015 by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and has provided support and assistance to millions of people in need around the world. https://www.ksrelief.org/home/index