The National Conference on Education – Reality and Challenges, continued its activities on its first day in the city of Marib. The second session was dedicated to discussing the impact of the war on the education sector in Yemen, with the participation of a group of researchers and specialists in education and human rights issues.

The session began with an intervention by Mr. Fahmi Al-Zubairi, Director General of the Human Rights Office in the Capital Secretariat, who presented a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing education during the war. He also reviewed the most prominent violations affecting students and teachers, along with proposed solutions to help reduce the sector’s deterioration.

Dr. Jamil Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hosaini, Associate Professor at the University of Taiz, addressed the issue of student dropout as a result of the war. He warned of its long-term social and economic consequences and called for urgent interventions to contain this escalating phenomenon.

In the same context, Dr. Mohammed Al-Azaki, Head of the Union of Unappointed Yemeni Academics, presented a research paper on the challenges of updating educational curricula in Yemen. He highlighted the gap between the current situation and the future visions for developing educational content and curricula.

Mr. Abdullah Al-Mash, Head of Planning and Programs at the National Center for Strategic Studies, focused on the deep psychological effects of war on general education students. He stressed the need for specialized psychological and educational support programs that take these effects into account and help reduce their impact on the educational environment.

This session provided rich insights and deep analysis that contribute to a broader understanding of the consequences of war on education and opened the door for discussing applicable solutions to restore the educational path and ensure a safe and stable learning environment for all students in Yemen.

The Yemen International Agency for Development, in partnership with the National Center for Strategic Studies, officially announced the date of the National Conference on Education titled “Reality and Challenges.” The announcement was made during a formal event held in the city of Marib, attended by prominent officials and academics.

The conference is scheduled to take place on May 5–6, 2025, with the participation of local and regional researchers, academic experts, and civil society representatives. The event aims to evaluate the state of education in Yemen and develop strategic solutions for the sector’s advancement.

The event was attended by Mr. Mohammed Al-Muawadhi, Deputy Governor of Marib; Mr. Abdulhakim Al-Qaisi, Director of the Social Affairs and Labor Office; and Dr. Hussein Al-Mawasai, Vice President of the University of Saba Region, alongside university representatives and educational stakeholders.

In his speech, the Deputy Governor emphasized the importance of education as a foundation for the country’s future, calling for collective efforts to overcome challenges and support initiatives offering practical solutions to educational issues.

Dr. Abdulsalam Al-Salami, Executive Director of the Yemen International Agency for Development, stated that the conference marks a crucial turning point in assessing the educational system and generating actionable recommendations to build effective partnerships for improving the sector.

Dr. Abdulhamid Amer, Head of the National Center for Strategic Studies, highlighted the responsibility of both official and academic bodies in addressing the ongoing educational decline. He noted that the conference preparations spanned nine months and involved a group of experts from Yemen and abroad.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Bakri, Head of the Scientific Committee, presented the main themes and goals of the conference, focusing on the state of general and higher education, strengthening community partnerships, and addressing the impact of conflict on the educational landscape.

The conference is expected to serve as a national platform for developing practical strategies and solutions that pave the way for a better, more inclusive, and resilient educational future in Yemen.

The city of Istanbul recently hosted the ninth Annual Middle East Conference organized by Istanbul Gelisim University and the Makha Center for Strategic Studies, with the participation of numerous researchers and academics from across the Arab world and beyond. The conference, held under the title “Geopolitical Shifts and the Sovereignty Dilemma in the Middle East,” aimed to discuss the key issues and transformations impacting the Middle East in light of global changes.

During the conference, researcher Hudhayfah Al-Humaidi presented his paper titled “The Reality of Islamic Microfinance Banks amid the Yemeni Crisis,” addressing the challenges and advantages that Islamic microfinance banks in Yemen face amidst challenging economic conditions. Researcher Mohammed Al-Dhaibani presented his paper titled “The Role of Murabaha Financing in Achieving Sustainable Development Goal Eight,” which explored the impact of Murabaha financing on fostering economic growth and contributing to sustainable development.

Both researchers are graduate students in the Talented Youth Support Program by the Yemen International Agency for Development – Turkey (YIAD), funded by the International Islamic Charitable Organization of Kuwait. The program seeks to support and develop Yemeni talent across various academic and research fields, enabling them to make scientific and research contributions that benefit their communities.