The Aden National Project discusses with Social Affairs and the Federation of Aden Trade Unions the promotion of partnership and the participation of workers in shaping the future of the city

Today, Monday, September 7, 2026, the head of the Aden National Project, Mr. Muhammad Bashraheel, discussed with the Director General of the Office of Social Affairs and Labor in Aden, Mr. Arslan Al-Saqqaf, and the President of the General Federation of Aden Trade Unions, Ms. Mervat Al-Salami, ways to strengthen partnership and expand the participation of the labor movement in discussions related to the future of the capital, Aden. The meeting was held in the presence of a number of members of the dialogue and communication team, where they discussed the role of the trade union movement and the importance of building a broad community partnership that includes various sectors and events. Participants stressed that the mineral worker must be present in the manufacture of visions and policies related to the city, as a key component that has accumulated experience and direct contact with service, management and labor market issues. In this context, Ms. Mervat Al-Salami stressed that the trade union movement in Aden has a fighting balance and a long experience in defending workers' rights, stressing that the involvement of trade unions in community dialogues is a necessary step to ensure that future policies reflect the needs of workers on the ground. She said that "workers are the backbone of any development process, and their presence in shaping the future of Aden is not only a trade union demand, but a necessity to ensure justice The decisions and their effectiveness,” she noted, adding that the union is currently working to reactivate its historical role as an organized and effective voice within the Adeni landscape. Bashrahil outlined the project's methodology, which is based on moving from community listening to data and evidence collection, then analyzing issues, drafting policy papers, and monitoring their implementation. He emphasized that the project is an independent civil platform for dialogue, not a political party, and does not claim to have a monopoly on representing Aden. He explained that the project's work paths (identity and heritage, economic recovery, governance and services, and dialogue and policies) directly intersect with labor and development issues, pointing to the "Historic Aden Document" project as a comprehensive reference that preserves the city's memory and the aspirations of its people. For his part, Al-Saqqaf welcomed the strengthening of communication with serious community initiatives, while Bashraheel praised the role played by Ms. Mervat Al-Salami in reactivating the Union, appreciating the support of the Minister of State, Governor of the Capital, Mr. Abdul Rahman Sheikh, for the independence of the trade union movement and keeping it away from tensions. This meeting is part of a series of meetings conducted by the project with institutions, unions and community components to build a wide network of partnerships and create an inclusive Aden space for dialogue on the future of the city under the slogan "Aden First".