Over the past years, Kuwait, represented by the Kuwait Fund for Development, has made significant efforts to contribute to the improvement of the economic, social, and living conditions in the Republic of Yemen. These efforts come as part of international and regional initiatives aimed at supporting Yemen and helping it overcome its challenges. Speaking on these efforts, Ms. Lisa Doughten, Director of the Humanitarian Financing and Resource Mobilization Division at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), stated in an interview with the Kuwait Fund's official magazine that the Kuwait Fund for Development's contributions have enabled the Yemen Humanitarian Fund to continue its humanitarian efforts, helping many Yemeni citizens affected by conflict, drought, and numerous other poverty-inducing factors.

 

Doughten explained that global humanitarian needs currently total $55.5 billion, with Yemen’s share amounting to approximately $4.3 billion. This means that women and children in Yemen often lack access to basic necessities such as shelter, food, and healthcare, and there are no safe spaces for children to learn, grow, and develop. Thanks to contributions from the Kuwait Fund, the Yemen Humanitarian Fund has been able to meet these essential humanitarian needs and provide vital support to those affected.

Doughten noted, “The Yemen Humanitarian Fund supports 7 million people through 170 projects in the areas of water, sanitation, healthcare, and child nutrition. These are crucial projects that help improve people's lives and prevent famine, as the Yemeni people were on the verge of famine.”

She added, “In addition to the political conflict in Yemen, other factors such as natural disasters—including earthquakes, floods, and harsh climatic conditions—have contributed to the worsening situation. These factors are often not considered emergencies, and thus, are underfunded. Moreover, Yemen’s needs are not always prioritized globally. This is why the support from the Kuwait Fund has been essential in enabling the Yemen Humanitarian Fund to continue its lifesaving work and adopt an innovative approach known as anticipatory action. We assess foreseeable crises, such as floods or droughts, and take proactive steps to provide aid and meet the needs of people across all regions of Yemen.” She emphasized that more than 50% of the fund's allocations go to local and national partners, which is key to addressing the needs identified by the people themselves.

Doughten continued, “In addition to addressing humanitarian needs, the Yemen Humanitarian Fund also plays a role in bridging the gap between development funding and humanitarian relief. Development funding can help reduce the overall need for humanitarian assistance. Moreover, we considered climate financing in the lead-up to the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in the United Arab Emirates.” She highlighted the coordination with the conference organizers on incorporating innovative anticipatory approaches and utilizing them in the fund’s work.

At the conclusion of the interview, Doughten highlighted that during COP 28, the Kuwait Fund, along with other funds, showcased how it contributes to humanitarian work by utilizing climate financing. She emphasized that the Kuwait Fund’s contributions significantly supported anticipatory actions, met humanitarian needs, and linked climate financing with humanitarian work to support the needs of the Yemeni people.

It is worth noting that the Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF) is a multi-donor country-based pooled fund managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). It supports rapid humanitarian response to those in need of life-saving assistance.