The Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (SDRPY), the Yemeni Ministry of Education, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) signed a major strategic cooperation agreement to support education and enhance educational infrastructure in Yemen. The signing took place during the MOMENTUM Development Finance Conference held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.

The agreement establishes an innovative development funding model worth $40 million, with $30 million contributed by SDRPY and $10 million provided by GPE. The initiative aims to expand access to safe, inclusive education for children across Yemen, with special focus on vulnerable areas, and to strengthen the resilience of the education system.

The agreement will also improve the quality of education by training teachers, enhancing professional competencies, and supporting the continuity of educational services.

Yemeni Minister of Education Tariq Salem Al-Akbari stated:
“Providing high-quality education for Yemeni children is a top priority for the government. Thanks to the support of our international partners—especially SDRPY and GPE—we have managed to keep most schools open and ensure the continuity of the learning process.”

SDRPY’s Assistant Supervisor General, Eng. Hassan Al-Atas, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive educational future in Yemen. He pointed out that the Kingdom has implemented 56 educational projects across 11 governorates as part of 268 development projects in eight key sectors including health, water, energy, transportation, education, agriculture, governance, and community development.

GPE CEO Laura Frigenti stressed that education is fundamental to peace and prosperity, noting that the new partnership will enable children—particularly girls—to access safe and high-quality education.

UNESCO Regional Office Director for the Gulf States and Yemen, Salah Khaled, praised Saudi Arabia’s leading role in supporting Yemen’s development, highlighting the Kingdom’s contributions to stabilizing essential services, enhancing infrastructure, and bolstering recovery efforts across the country.