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The LOI was signed following a series of productive discussions and meetings between the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, and the British Council in Yemen. It sets out a shared intention to work closely together, maximising resources and amplifying the impact of their respective programmes.

Under this agreement, both organisations will regularly exchange information on their ongoing projects, beneficiaries, and any lessons learnt. They will conduct quarterly meetings to update each other on the progress of their initiatives and explore synergies. By sharing opportunities such as open calls and other relevant information through their communication networks, UNESCO and the British Council aim to extend their reach and increase engagement with their target audiences.

Additionally, representatives from each organisation will participate in selection panels and events hosted by the other. They will also explore opportunities to jointly organise cultural activities, networking events, and advocacy campaigns both within Yemen and internationally. To further support their work, the two organisations will consider the possibility of jointly securing funding and co-designing programmes that benefit Yemeni youth and the cultural sector.

The Letter of Intent is a framework for collaboration which reflects the organisations' shared belief that by working together, they can contribute to increasing resilience as a critical pillar of Yemen’s recovery and future stability.

UNESCO is present in Yemen and works across its wide mandate in Culture, Education, Science, Youth, and Communication and Information to support the thousands of Yemeni men, women, and youth affected by a protracted conflict and the effects of climate change. Through different programmes and activities, UNESCO actively supports community development, youth engagement, and economic recovery all across Yemen. Under the project “Youth Employment through Heritage and Culture in Yemen”, funded by the European Union, UNESCO is currently supporting community economic resilience, job creation, and the rehabilitation of cultural heritage through Cash for Work, and the Creative Economy Sector through support to Cultural Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs), leveraging culture to promote sustainable development, social cohesion, and peacebuilding.

The British Council’s programmes in Yemen are designed to foster peaceful dialogue and empower young Yemenis through Arts & Culture, Education, and English. By equipping them with leadership skills and the tools to strengthen their communities, the British Council plays a vital role in building resilience and promoting inclusivity across the country. Similarly, UNESCO’s work in Yemen focuses on safeguarding cultural heritage, supporting education, and fostering community resilience. The enhanced collaboration between the two organisations aims to build on these efforts and create a more sustainable future for Yemen.

Rowaida Al Khulaidi, Country Director for the British Council in Yemen, commented, "This collaboration is a significant step towards creating more opportunities for Yemeni youth to thrive. By combining our expertise with UNESCO’s, we can achieve greater impact and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous Yemen."

Amir Ramzan, Regional Director of the British Council in MENA, added, “For over 80 years, the British Council has remained dedicated to supporting Yemenis. Last year, we engaged with over 11,000 individuals through our programmes, empowering young men and women to drive positive change in their communities. This partnership with UNESCO will enhance our efforts to build resilience, especially among women and girls, fostering a future where Yemen’s youth can thrive.”