UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen Concludes 3-Day Visit to Marib, Calls for Scaled-Up Durable and Development Solutions

Marib, 1 May 2025 

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Mr. Julien Harneis, concluded a three-day visit to Marib Governorate from 28 April to 1 May 2025. During the mission, he engaged with displaced families, local residents, and government officials to better understand the humanitarian needs in Marib and explore potential sustainable, long-term solutions.

“Home to 1.6 million internally displaced persons - many of them young, educated men and women - Marib has enormous potential for growth in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and industry,” said Mr. Harneis at the conclusion of his visit. “There is a unique opportunity here to create jobs, spur local economic growth, and drive sustainable development. While the United Nations remains committed to addressing humanitarian needs, we must also focus on long-term solutions that enable people to rebuild their lives and communities.”

Accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Marib, Mr. Abd-Rab Miftah, Mr. Harneis visited Al-Sweida and Al-Jufaina displacement sites, where he was briefed on key humanitarian and development interventions led by UN agencies in collaboration with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief). These efforts aim to strengthen self-reliance and reduce dependency on aid. He also visited an optical center supported by KSRelief, Marib General Hospital, funded by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen, and the Marib Girls Foundation, which supports the economic empowerment of women and girls through training and entrepreneurship initiatives.