Building Pathways to Peace: Navanti’s Contributions at the Yemen International Forum by Navanti News
The Yemen International Forum launched at The Hague’s Peace Palace on June 12, 2023, bringing together global stakeholders for peacebuilding efforts in Yemen.
Mohammed Albasha, the Client Engagement and Communications Manager at Navanti Group and a Yemeni and Arabian Peninsula Subject Matter Expert (SME), recently participated in the Yemen International Forum (YIF) held in The Hague, Netherlands from June 12 to 15. The event saw the participation of over 250 attendees, including notable Yemeni political and key international actors, such as former vice president Khaled Bahah, Jamal Amer (editor of the Sana’a-based Al-Wasat newspaper), Abo Bakr Al-Qirbi (Assistant Secretary General of the General People’s Congress and former Minister of Foreign Affairs), Dr. Nasser Al-Khubaji (member of the Presidium of the Southern Transitional Council), Dr. Abdullah Abu Houriya, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Political Department and External Relations for the National Resistance among others.
The forum focused on three main themes: Political Pathways to Peace, Toward Economic Recovery, and Justice and Reconciliation. Through plenaries, parallel sessions, and scenario building workshops, attendees engaged in future-oriented discussions to develop practical pathways towards peace.
One of the key discussions at the YIF was on the role of the diaspora in peacebuilding, where Mohammed Albasha actively participated. Hosted by the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the roundtable shed light on the potential contributions and challenges faced by Yemeni diasporas. Albasha emphasized that diasporas possess valuable resources, including financial means, education, skills, and networks, which can support Yemen’s development and reconstruction. Their transnational connections enable knowledge transfer, investments, trade, and humanitarian aid. Furthermore, the political engagement of Yemeni diasporas allows them to raise awareness, influence policies, and advocate for peace and conflict resolution. However, Albasha acknowledged the limitations faced by the diaspora, such as integration challenges, economic dependence on remittances, and limited influence on internal affairs. These challenges are shaped by both the host country’s context and the situation within Yemen. To overcome these limitations and amplify the potentials of the diaspora, Albasha highlighted the importance of strengthening networks, providing capacity-building programs, promoting dialogue, and fostering relationships with international actors.
Mayor Jan van Zanen delivers inspiring closing remarks at the Yemen International Forum in The Hague, Netherlands on 15 June 203
The YIF also featured Scenario Building Workshops on topics like stabilization and security structures and the future of the post-war economy. Prominent speakers in the forum included diplomats, ambassadors, and representatives from international organizations, such as the EU, the Swiss Special Envoy to MENA, the United Nations, and the World Bank.
The Yemen International Forum provided a platform for constructive discussions and the exchange of ideas on building peace in Yemen. Mohammed Albasha’s participation in the roundtable discussion on the diaspora’s role underscored the importance of leveraging the diaspora’s resources and networks for the country’s development and reconstruction. With continued efforts and collaboration, there is hope for a brighter future for Yemen.