The Minister of Finance, Salem Saleh Ben Brik, opened today, in the temporary capital, Aden, consultative meetings on building the Social Expenditure Observatory (SEM) in Yemen, organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), within the framework of implementing the reform program. The comprehensive economic, financial and monetary situation in Yemen 2022-2025.

The meetings will be held over two days in coordination between the Ministry of Finance, the World Bank, United Nations agencies and other donors, experts from the ESCWA team, the United Nations team in Yemen, and the Office of the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General to Yemen, with the participation of the Director of the Economic Development Division. And integration in (ESCWA) Dr. Muhammad Al-Mukhtar, and a number of representatives of the executive ministries and relevant public entities.

The meetings aim to enhance dialogue between representatives of various governmental entities, international organizations and civil society, and to discuss the concept of the Social Expenditure Observatory, its methodology, dimensions and various indicators to adapt it to the Yemeni context, in addition to consulting with representatives of government agencies, international agencies, civil society and non-governmental organizations regarding the availability of data and mechanisms. Data collection for the Social Expenditure Observatory in Yemen.

It also aims to organize consultative meetings for multiple decision-makers with various parties in Yemen to develop a model for the Social Expenditure Observatory in Yemen, which faces a prominent challenge of managing and monitoring social spending in times of conflict, which includes what the government spends (budget resources) and other development entities. (Extrabudgetary resources) for social purposes, including health, education, direct subsidies and cash support to families in need, as well as pensions and social insurance.

The Minister of Finance, Ben Brik, welcomed the representatives of (ESCWA) and all those attending and participating in these meetings... calling on all international organizations to follow the example of (ESCWA) in implementing their activities in support of Yemen in Aden... stressing that the establishment of the Social Expenditure Observatory comes within the framework of The government’s efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in the financial sector and achieve sustainable development, as it will contribute to providing accurate and reliable data on social spending, and evaluating the impact of government policies on society, enabling the government, international partners, and local authorities to benefit from this information in setting priorities, evaluating social policies, and allocating resources. Finance and achieving better results for the benefit of society.

He noted the importance of holding these meetings and discussions with ESCWA advisors in contributing to enhancing awareness, cooperation and scientific exchange between concerned parties. These meetings are also an opportunity to enhance the capabilities of participants in understanding the importance of the Social Observatory for Expenditure and its role in improving planning, policy-making and decision-making. Praising the commitment of ESCWA towards promoting economic and financial development in our country... touching on the current exceptional circumstances facing Yemen, as well as the great challenges in managing and monitoring comprehensive social spending... looking forward to providing more technical and material support necessary to build the social spending observatory for what it represents. Of great importance.