President Al-Alimi Affirms State’s Determination to Overcome War Conditions and Praises Egypt's Urban Transformation

  Cairo

His Excellency Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, President of the Presidential Leadership Council, stressed that the Yemeni government, with the support of its brothers and friends, is resolutely working to overcome the destructive conditions of war ignited by the Iran-aligned Houthi terrorist militias.

This came in the speech of the president of the Presidential Leadership Council at the the 12th session of the World Urban Forum, (WUF 12) which commenced today, Monday, in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. The forum was organized with the participation of thousands of representatives from national, regional, and local governments, academics, business leaders, urban planners, and civil society to discuss the urgent urban challenges facing our world today.

His Excellency pointed out that the war triggered by the terrorist Houthi militias has caused massive destruction across infrastructure sectors and essential services, notably in electricity, roads, transport networks, ports, airports, bridges, factories, and commercial facilities.

He explained that the losses to the national economy and urban areas continue to multiply daily as a result of this war imposed on the Yemeni people. According to a report from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) at the end of 2019, Yemen’s total economic losses could rise to $657 billion by 2030 if the conflict persists and the militias do not respond to calls for peace and the requirements for resuming development.

He added, " In numerical terms, it is estimated that urban and municipal services in Yemeni cities have been damaged by about 49% in sectors such as energy, and 38% in water and sanitation, in addition to substantial losses in internal road networks and telecommunications assets. The housing sector has also been severely impacted, with approximately 16 Yemeni cities set back by decades."

The president of the Presidential Leadership Council highlighted the complex structural and financial challenges facing the Yemeni government in dealing with climate-related changes, which have exacerbated the demands of emergency interventions and slowed the implementation of urban development plans at various levels.

His Excellency the President noted that over the past decade, powerful cyclones that Yemen has experienced have caused widespread destruction, including floods, landslides, and damage to infrastructure and citizens’ homes.

He pointed out that, between April and August of this year alone, flash floods led to dozens of casualties, more than 100,000 displaced individuals, and infrastructure and agricultural losses estimated at around $350 million.

In this context, the President highly appreciated the efforts of our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and other members of the Coalition Supporting Legitimacy, whose efforts have greatly helped in mitigating the hardships of the Yemeni people and preventing a total collapse of national institutions.

The President of the Presidential Leadership Council praised the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the World Urban Forum, as with other events hosted by beloved Egypt, will provide a significant contribution as one of the most important events focused on urbanization and comprehensive urban development worldwide.

His Excellency the President considered the choice of Cairo to host this important global event is an ideal embodiment of the philosophy and objectives of the World Urban Forum, stating “this ancient city has long been a symbol of architectural richness throughout history, a richness that has only increased in diversity and been put to serve the people and their national economy, especially in recent years under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who is spearheading an unprecedented urban and architectural renaissance in the history of the region.

He added, "Therefore, It would be most beneficial for our countries to learn from this pioneering experience as we address our national obligations related to urban development and the reconstruction of our cities, with the help of the expertise and minds of Egyptian companies and professionals who have contributed to this extraordinary urban and developmental transformation.”

The opening session of the World Urban Forum was attended by Mr. Nasr Taha Mustafa, the advisor to the President of the Presidential Council, Dr. Shaea al-Zandani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Engineer Salem Al-Harizi, the Minister of Public Works and Roads, and Mr. Khaled Mahfoudh Bahah, Yemen’s Ambassador to Egypt.