Social inclusion, accountability central to new World Bank strategy for Yemen

The World Bank is kicking off a strategic shift in Yemen with a new plan that will guide its engagement in the country in the next 18 months.

The interim strategy note is “tailored to match the transition timeline” put in place following the resignation of President Ali Abdullah Saleh in February. Over the next 18 months, Yemen will draft a new constitution as well as organize elections.

The strategy has three principles that will also be integrated in future World Bank projects in Yemen. The three are designed to help address the causes of last year’s upheaval in the country. They include:

• Promoting social inclusion and participation, especially among women and the youth.

• Increasing government transparency and accountability.

• Ensuring flexibility in future World Bank programs.

The World Bank also identified areas where it is planning immediate action, including the creation of jobs and improvement of citizens’ access to social safety nets. The bank added it will also focus on building capacities in order to improve local service delivery.

With this interim strategy note, the World Bank joins the Department for International Development, among others, as donors that have released development plans for Yemen.

Aside from the strategy, the World Bank previously unveiled a $400 million grant for the country, to be disbursed in the next two years.

Read more:

• DFID-Yemen Partnership

• More aid pledges come Yemen’s way

• Yemen awaits aid — from Riyadh to New York

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