KUALA LAMPUR: The second edition of the ‘Partners for Yemen’ conference began Saturday in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, aiming to support education in Yemen. The event is sponsored and supported by Kuwait’s International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO) alongside Kuwait’s Rahma International Society.
“The people of Yemen are at the heart of our concerns,” Abdulrahman Al-Mutawa, Deputy General Manager for Projects at IICO, told KUNA on the sidelines of the conference. He emphasized that supporting education in Yemen “is not a choice but a humanitarian duty” and an investment in Yemen’s future.
Al-Mutawa highlighted that IICO has worked extensively to support education especially in fragile conflict-affected areas, with Yemen being a top priority. “Last year, our strategic initiatives led to the implementation of 126 education projects in 23 countries, in partnership with 56 local and international organizations,” he said.
He added that these projects have benefited over 48,000 people, including more than 20,000 students receiving full sponsorship covering educational and developmental programs. Specifically in Yemen, IICO has carried out various education and humanitarian projects over the last five years worth nearly $11 million, collaborating with nine Yemeni organizations. These efforts have helped over 55,000 students inside Yemen and abroad.
The projects include building three university colleges currently under construction, establishing and equipping 15 schools and technical institutes, implementing 27 higher education support projects, and 17 programs related to scholarships, sponsorships, and educational conferences.
Al-Mutawa acknowledged that Yemen’s educational needs still exceed current efforts. “The scattered efforts need unification, coordination, and integration, which we hope this conference and real partnerships will achieve,” he said.
Ghanem Al-Shaheen, Director of Programs and Projects at Rahma International, told KUNA this was the association’s second time participating after the first conference in Istanbul. He noted Kuwait’s charitable organizations and government institutions play a leading role in humanitarian support. “We have contributed a lot to Yemen, especially in education, through our ‘Tawasul’ foundation there, which runs many educational projects in cooperation with the Yemeni International Development Agency organizing the conference,” he said. “Kuwait, known as the ‘Land of Humanity,’ continues supporting humanitarian work worldwide.”
Kuwait’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Rashid Al-Saleh, said the conference reflects Kuwait’s firm commitment to providing aid globally, especially in Yemen, which faces severe humanitarian challenges. He added that Kuwait’s sponsorship and involvement in this conference demonstrate its belief in education as a pillar for community advancement.
Yemen’s Deputy Minister of Education Ali Al-Abab, praised the efforts of donor countries, including Kuwait, in supporting education and global humanitarian work. Al-Abab said the conference aims to mobilize funding specifically for education projects, considering education “a key gateway to Yemen’s progress and future.” He added the conference will discuss the challenges facing education and the humanitarian situation in Yemen and exchange ideas, experiences, and initiatives to confront these challenges. The opening ceremony included representatives from several regional and international institutions.
Over two days, the conference sessions will address Yemen’s worsening humanitarian crisis, one of the world’s largest, highlighting the devastating impact of war on education, health, and the economy. Discussions will also focus on the limited international presence of Yemeni institutions, calling for new partnerships and ensuring the sustainability of humanitarian projects and efforts. — KUNA
