Members of the Yemen Peace Forum (YPF) discussed the implications of recent developments in the southern governorates during a briefing with representatives of the international community, researchers, and experts, amid concerns over instability and growing security and military challenges.
The briefing, held on March 10, was attended by representatives from the Embassies of the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom, as well as the European Union Mission to Yemen and the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen. It aimed to discuss developments in the southern governorates with international partners and policymakers and the implications of the ongoing conflict for local issues and community stability, and to convey the perspectives of youth and civil society members on their respective governorates to enhance understanding of local communities.
Topics discussed included: security threats; societal polarization; shifting local power dynamics; the proliferation of weapons; and challenges related to service provision and infrastructure.
YPF is a track II youth and civil society initiative implemented by the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the Supporting a Localized, Inclusive and Sustainable Peace for Yemen project.
The YPF includes 57 young men and women, as well as representatives from civil society organizations, from various Yemeni governorates. Since its establishment, its members have advocated for a range of issues, including combating the militarization of education, opposing discrimination and hate speech, youth empowerment, transitional justice, and the shrinking civic space, among other issues that reflect local priorities.
