Yemen Conference 2023

In 2022, humanitarian partners in Yemen delivered lifesaving assistance to nearly 11 million vulnerable people every month. This was made possible by the generous support of donors, who – despite an unprecedented level of humanitarian needs around the world – provided more than $2.2 billion in needed assistance. As a result, many of the most critical aid programmes were able to continue, and in some cases the worst needs declined. In parallel, a UN-brokered truce brought a glimpse of hope, leading to major decreases in civilian casualties and displacement. Many truce elements have continued even after the truce expired last October.

Despite these improvements last year, the scale of humanitarian needs remains shocking. Years of protracted conflict, displacement and economic deterioration continue to generate substantial suffering. Yemen is also at the forefront of the global climate crisis, with recurrent natural disasters threatening people's lives, safety and well-being. In 2023, humanitarian partners estimate that two-thirds of the population – or 21.6 million people – will need humanitarian assistance and protection.

Objectives

This year, the high-level pledging event will seek the support of the international community in four priority areas:

• Raise awareness of Yemen's severe humanitarian crisis and the lifesaving aid operation

• Protect and expand the limited improvements made in 2022

• Mobilize support to address underlying drivers of humanitarian needs

• Call for an end to the conflict

14:00 - 14:30 Segment One: Opening Session

• Moderator, Welcomes the audience and introduces the co-hosts 

• Opening Remarks by H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations 

• Statement by H.E. Federal Councillor Mr. Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland 

• Statement by H.E. Mr. Johan Forssell, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Sweden 

• Statement by INGO Speaker (TBD) 

• Statement by Mr. Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator 

• Concluding Remarks by Moderator 

14:30 - 16:55 Segment Two: 

• Statements and Pledge Announcements 

• The Secretary-General calls on H.E. Dr. Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, Prime Minister of Yemen. 

• Interventions and pledge announcements by participating delegates

16:56-17:00 Segment Three: Closing Session 

• Closing Remarks by Mr. Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator on behalf of the co-hosts