Yemen is renowned for its abundant cultural heritage, including archaeological sites and cities with historical significance. With five properties nominated as UNESCO’s World Heritage and nine inscribed in its Tentative List, Yemen’s built cultural heritage sites are a unique window to understand the extraordinary 2,200-year-old urban civilization that once thrived in Arabia Felix

Due to the ongoing conflict, the Old City of Sana’a, the Old Walled City of Shibam, the Historic Town of Zabid, and many other important historic centres in Yemen remain extremely vulnerable. In June 2022, to address the needs in heritage rehabilitation and cultural programming and provide employment opportunities for the Yemeni youth, UNESCO, in partnership with the European Union, launched the “Youth Employment through Heritage and Culture in Yemen” initiative. 

UNESCO and EU Cash-for-Work Project in Yemen.

“Youth Employment through Heritage and Culture in Yemen”

Strategic areas of action
Cultural Heritage
Creative Industries
Cultural Advocacy
Photo Gallery

‘’UNESCO will aim at supporting more young Yemenis, upscaling the interventions in historical cities, and expanding to new locations. We also aim at reaching out to more young artists and CSOs, to support their creativity while contributing to social cohesion and peacebuilding, at a time when Yemen is committed to transition from humanitarian to more development needs.’’ 

Ernesto Ottone R. Assistant Director-General for Culture of UNESCO
Cash for Work: Promoting Livelihood Opportunities for Urban Youth in Yemen
Watch "Heritage and Culture a driver for youth empowerment" Episodes
Dive into the personal narratives at the core of UNESCO's “Youth Employment through Heritage and Culture in Yemen” project. This series focuses on the human aspect, sharing Yemenis' stories, hopes, and dreams for their beloved nation.

Key facts and figures

6,263

Women and men enrolled in the rehabilitation of 508 historic buildings

657

women enrolled in capacity building and employment opportunities

650

Cultural managers and operators empowered and employed through Cash for Work schemes

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Snapshots: Yemen's Youth, Heritage, and Culture

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YEHCY Project Portraits 2

Action Spotlight: Donor of the Project:

20 million euros

Implementing Partners: