The Thirteenth Development Champions Forum (DCF XIII) was held in Amman, Jordan, from November 30 to December 2, 2025, bringing together Yemeni experts, representatives of government institutions, and regional and international development partners to discuss key issues related to Yemen’s economic recovery pathways.
The first day of the Forum focused on foreign investment in Yemen, with participants discussing the investment landscape over previous decades and the main challenges that have constrained investment flows. Discussions also explored promising economic sectors and potential opportunities to stimulate both domestic and foreign investment, while emphasizing the role of public–private partnerships in supporting economic recovery.
On the second day, the Forum dedicated its sessions to enhancing governance in government planning and economic reforms. Participants examined key governance gaps and their impact on the effectiveness of public policies, highlighting the importance of integrating transparency and accountability and strengthening the link between planning and implementation to improve institutional performance and support economic reforms.
The third and final day focused on reconstruction, with the participation of representatives from embassies and development programs. Discussions addressed the requirements for reconstruction in Yemen and the importance of developing coordination frameworks that align national priorities with regional and international support efforts. During this day, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) delivered a presentation highlighting key development projects implemented in the field of reconstruction and their role in supporting infrastructure, improving basic services, and contributing to economic recovery.
The Forum concluded with a set of research-based outputs, as a number of specialized policy papers will be produced and published on the Forum’s website. These outputs aim to inform and support policy discussions and decision-making processes. Participants also agreed to work toward ensuring that these outputs reach government decision-makers and business leaders, strengthening the link between research-based recommendations and economic policymaking.
At the conclusion of the Forum, a closed session for members of the Development Champions Forum was held, dedicated to discussing the institutionalization of the Forum. During this session, the Forum’s statute was approved in its final version, along with a number of organizational bylaws, in a step aimed at strengthening the Forum’s sustainability and consolidating its role as a platform for development-oriented policy dialogue.
