Yemeni Chevening Scholars Join High-Level Roundtable at the FCDO in London
Yemen Chevening Hub
Yemeni Chevening alumni and scholars recently participated in a high-level roundtable hosted at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London, bringing together members of the Yemeni Chevening community with senior Yemeni officials and representatives from the UK Government.
The event was attended by His Excellency Adel Abdulmajid Alawi Al-Abbadi, Minister of Education, and Her Excellency Dr Afrah Al-Zuba, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, alongside David Hunt, Head of the Iraq, Syria and Yemen Team at the FCDO, current Chevening scholars, alumni, and members of the Yemen and Chevening teams.
The roundtable created a valuable and open space for discussion around education, youth empowerment, leadership, and the future role of Yemeni talent in contributing to Yemen’s long-term development and recovery. Participants reflected on the importance of investing in education not only as a service sector, but as a foundation for stability, resilience, and sustainable development in Yemen.
One of the key themes discussed during the session was the need to strengthen support for the education sector in Yemen and create more accessible opportunities for Yemeni youth to pursue higher education and professional development internationally. Conversations also highlighted the importance of increasing scholarships, expanding academic partnerships, and supporting young Yemenis from conflict-affected contexts who continue to face significant barriers in accessing quality education and global opportunities.
The discussion further explored how the Chevening network and wider educational partnerships can contribute to developing future Yemeni leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills, and international exposure needed to support their communities and institutions. Participants shared perspectives on the role of alumni networks, mentorship, and collaborative initiatives in helping young Yemenis navigate educational and professional pathways despite ongoing challenges.
The gathering also demonstrated the growing impact and presence of the Yemeni Chevening community, whose members continue to contribute across sectors including education, development, public policy, humanitarian work, entrepreneurship, and civil society.
The event concluded with a shared sense of optimism and a collective hope that the ideas and recommendations discussed during the roundtable will contribute to practical future initiatives that support education, empower youth, and expand opportunities for Yemenis both inside Yemen and internationally.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the organisers, speakers, and all participants for this meaningful and inspiring dialogue.
