A new partnership agreement has been signed between the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Yemen’s Ministry of Education, and UNESCO to strengthen education and rebuild educational infrastructure across Yemen. The agreement was formalized during the MOMENTUM Development Finance Conference in Riyadh and introduces an innovative development financing model worth $40 million, with SDRPY contributing $30 million and GPE providing $10 million.
The initiative is designed to expand access to safe, inclusive, and equitable education, particularly in underserved communities. A major focus is on supporting girls’ education and removing barriers that prevent children from attending school. The partnership also aims to build a more resilient education system capable of sustaining learning during crises by enhancing overall quality through targeted teacher training and professional development.
Yemen’s Minister of Education, Tariq Salem Al-Akbari, emphasized the importance of maintaining education access despite the country’s challenges, crediting international partners for helping keep most schools operational. SDRPY’s General Supervisor, Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to Yemen’s development, noting the Kingdom’s support for 56 education projects among broader efforts spanning health, energy, water, and other vital sectors.
GPE CEO Laura Frigenti stressed that education is fundamental to peace and prosperity and reaffirmed GPE’s commitment to supporting children—especially girls—in accessing quality learning even in difficult contexts. The partnership represents a collective effort to improve education outcomes across Yemen and strengthen long-term development through inclusive and resilient education systems.
