The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) today organized a panel discussion, titled "Bridging the Gap: Aligning Yemen National Strategy, Donor Support, and Local Action in Anti-Desertification Efforts," during the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’s (UNCCD) 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the (COP16), hosted in Riyadh from December 2 to 13.

The discussion featured contributions from Yemen’s Minister of Water and Environment Eng. Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, UN Assistant Secretary-General Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, Assistant Supervisor General of SDRPY Engineer Hassan Al-Attas, head of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) team Dr. Ayman Elhefnawi, UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Area Representative for the Gulf Eltayeb Adam, and CEO of Silah Foundation for Development Ali Bashmakh.

The panel discussion explored comprehensive strategies to combat desertification in Yemen and the critical role of international donors in supporting Yemen’s national strategy. The session also shed light on the integration of water security, community involvement in anti-desertification efforts, coordination among various stakeholders, and the need to establish effective partnerships to exchange knowledge and implement joint initiatives.