
Aden, 30 July 2024: The Tamadon Foundation, in collaboration with Lana Foundation for Development, organised a workshop in Aden titled “Strengthening the Role of Peace Forces in Yemen – Prospects for Popular Participation and Unifying Efforts.” The event was attended by 44 participants representing political and civil forces, civil society organisations, coalitions, initiatives, social and cultural figures, media professionals, and young people of both genders.
The workshop aimed to build upon previous peace initiative efforts, unify the peace forces’ initiatives inside and outside Yemen, and emphasise the pivotal role of women in peacebuilding.
Dr Rosa Al-Khamri, Coordinator for the Tamadon Foundation in Aden, stated that the workshop’s primary goal was to enhance the capacities of peace forces to work collectively in building peace and fostering coexistence. She also highlighted the importance of finding common ground to coordinate efforts with civil and political forces and expanding popular participation in peace efforts.
Dr Al-Khamri added that the workshop serves as a call to establish a unified platform for peace forces and to amplify the voices of all influential actors to achieve a just and sustainable peace. She underscored the workshop’s significance in encouraging collaborative efforts to end the war, build peace, and strengthen civil coexistence.
Participants stressed the critical importance of economic reform and resolving the economic crisis as fundamental pillars for establishing peace. They also discussed challenges hindering the peacebuilding process and proposed solutions to promote a culture of peace in media, thought, and literature. Further discussions focused on amplifying the voice of civil society to international actors, building trust between political factions, and bridging the gap between Track 1 negotiations (led by diplomats and political leaders) and civil society.
The discussions centred on raising awareness about coexistence and acceptance of others, while emphasising the importance of respecting the rule of law, institutional work, and reinforcing governance as key requirements for sustainable peace.
This workshop marked a significant step towards unifying peace efforts in Yemen and expanding popular engagement in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.