Dr. Adel Alshugaa
Chair of the General Assembly
About Us
Who We Are
The Yemeni Initiative for Peace and Development is an independent Yemeni civil society alliance. It deliberately transcends political, religious, regional, and ideological divides and brings together figures from civil society, media, human rights, academia, business, and peace research – both in Yemen and across the diaspora.
Through international dialogue and conference formats – including meetings and peace-policy discussions in Salzburg – the Initiative works to bring Yemeni voices into constructive exchange with European and international partners.
We are united by the conviction that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military dominance, exclusion, or violence, but through dialogue, mutual recognition, and realistic political solutions.
Our Team
Behind our initiative is a dedicated team working together for peace, dialogue, and sustainable development in Yemen.
General Assembly
Dr. Mohammed Al-Maliki
Deputy Chair of the General Assembly
General Secretariat
Mr. Nooh Aljaseri
Secretary-General
Dr. Mousa Abdullah Qasem
Deputy Secretary-General
International Advisory Council
MEng. Hadwig Soyoye-Rothschädl
Chair of the International Advisory Council
Planning and Projects Department
Eng. Mohammed Alzarnoqi
Member, Planning and Projects Department
Dr. Adel Alsalahi
Member, Planning and Projects Department
Ms. Nadia Alnajar
Head of Planning and Projects
Ing. Donia Al-Khawlani
Member, Planning and Projects Department
International Relations and Partnerships Department
Ing. Donia Al-Khawlani
Head of International Relations and Partnerships
Dr. Mohammed Alsalahi
Member, International Relations and Partnerships Department
Dr. Shadi Khosrof
Member, International Relations and Partnerships Department
Mr. Jalal Alhalali
Member, International Relations and Partnerships Department
Finance and Institutional Sustainability
Mr. Basheer Altashi
Head of Finance and Institutional Sustainability
Reconciliation and Community Development
Dr. Mohammed Al-Maliki
Deputy Head of Reconciliation and Community Development
Research, Studies and Policy Department
Ms. Ahd Yaseen
Head of Research, Studies and Policy
Media and Communications Department
Ms. Amal Alsherami
Head of Media and Communications
Technical Unit
Eng. Ahmed Alqumairi
Head of the Technical Unit
Secretariat
Ms Shatha Maharram
Secretary
How We Work
We work independently, inclusively, and through dialogue. Our Initiative engages with all relevant stakeholders – without preconditions and without party-political affiliation.
Our work is grounded in universal human rights, international humanitarian law, and the equality of all people before the law. We firmly reject despotism, political violence, and every form of structural discrimination.
Our approach follows a gradual, pragmatic logic: we focus on concrete partial solutions that build trust and can lead to long-term political agreements.
Our Vision
A safe, just, and united Yemen – a modern civil state that upholds the rule of law, protects the dignity of all citizens, and maintains the state's legitimate monopoly on the use of force.
Our Mission
Advancing an inclusive peace process through dialogue, reconciliation, and international cooperation – while strengthening Yemeni civil society and supporting humanitarian initiatives on the ground.
Our Goals
Our goal is to establish the Initiative as a shared platform for all those who believe that freedom is a right, equality is a necessity, and justice is the foundation of lasting peace.
Together with Austrian and international partners, we work on viable political approaches in line with existing UN frameworks, recognized dialogue processes, and the fundamental principles of an inclusive peace for Yemen.
We view the discussions held in Salzburg as part of a broader effort to connect confidence-building measures, political mediation, and civil society participation more closely.
Our specific objectives include:
- a comprehensive ceasefire on all fronts,
- the launch of an inclusive political process in the interests of the Yemeni people,
- the establishment of a civil, democratic state governed by the rule of law (separation of powers, rule of law, and social justice),
- constitutional equality for all citizens,
- the empowerment of youth, women, and marginalized groups,
- combating corruption and despotism,
- building resilient bridges with national, regional, and international partners.
Why Civil Society Initiatives Matter
Recent years have shown that local and civil society initiatives have often made progress where international processes have stalled – including prisoner exchanges, the reopening of roads and humanitarian corridors, as well as local mediation and de-escalation efforts.
Sustainable solutions emerge from society itself – not solely from formal agreements. Our work deliberately builds on these experiences.
International Dialogue
We promote dialogue formats that bring relevant actors together – from civil society organizations to decision-makers – to enable viable solutions.
Local Partnerships
Through close cooperation with partners in Yemen, we ensure that initiatives reflect real needs and have a lasting impact.
Evidence-Based Approach
Our positions are based on analysis, research, and expertise. We work with institutions and think tanks to develop robust recommendations.
Our Approach in the International Context
We advocate a fact-based international approach to the Yemen issue as a humanitarian and security-policy concern – beyond geopolitical proxy conflicts.
In doing so, we promote shared interests (security, maritime navigation, counterterrorism, and stability), a coherent national-international negotiation framework, targeted investment in neutral local initiatives, and incentive structures for political solutions rather than relying solely on sanctions.
In this context, we regard Salzburg as a suitable venue for dialogue, mediation, and international cooperation – a place where political, academic, and civil society perspectives can be brought together in a protected setting.
Outlook: Our goal is not a short-term ceasefire without a broader perspective, but a sustainable peace process that ends the war, rebuilds state institutions, and enables a representative state for all citizens. We regard Austria as an important partner – a neutral country with experience in dialogue, mediation, and international cooperation.