Workshop Report on the Triple Nexus Approach (Peace, Humanitarian, and Development) in Taiz Governorate
Date: December 29–31, 2024
Implemented by: Abs Development Organization
Facilitated and coordinated by: Taiz Governorate Office of Planning and International Cooperation, UNDP, and OCHA
Introduction:
The workshop addressed the importance of adopting locally-led humanitarian action and ensuring accountability in interventions through the Triple Nexus approach, which integrates humanitarian, development, and peace efforts. It also aimed to explore lessons learned from past humanitarian experiences and identify the next steps for potentially applying this methodology in the context of Taiz Governorate.
Workshop Objectives:
- Enhance participants’ understanding of the principles of the Triple Nexus methodology, its financing, and advocacy for related projects.
- Strengthen coordination mechanisms among stakeholders to adopt the Triple Nexus approach in Taiz Governorate.
- Develop initial frameworks for a Triple Nexus initiative plan for Taiz Governorate.
Participates:
- 49 NGOs
- 3 community leaders
- 15 governorate authorities
- Taiz university
Background:
Many donors face challenges in utilizing funds effectively due to the sector-based approach, which treats each area of intervention separately. The initiative has drawn important lessons from partnerships with organizations, government institutions, and communities, leading to a recognized need for an integrated approach. A series of similar workshops has already been implemented in other governorates, including Aden, Hadramout, and Marib.
Challenges and Lessons Learned:
- Flexibility in action: There is a need for greater flexibility in implementing activities based on emerging and urgent needs.
- Joint response: While some donors have contributed to lasting impacts, others have presented challenges to affected communities.
- Shift toward sustainable development: Despite global commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), obstacles still hinder achieving these goals.
Key Outputs of the Workshop:
- Opening membership: An open call was made for partners in Taiz Governorate interested in joining the Triple Nexus (Peace, Relief, and Development) initiative. Terms of reference for the initiative were shared. The call is open to organizations, universities, schools, and any individuals interested in participating.
- Proposal writing training: A specialized training session was proposed for partners on writing project proposals related to the Triple Nexus methodology, including guidance on relevant funding mechanisms.
- Seeking funding for a pilot project: Efforts will be made to secure funding for a pilot project reflecting the Triple Nexus approach in Taiz Governorate, with the experience to be evaluated under the supervision of local authorities.
- Awareness-raising seminars: Seminars will be held to raise awareness about the importance of the Triple Nexus methodology, targeting universities—particularly Taiz University—and schools.
- Education-focused seminar: A dedicated seminar will be held to discuss the role of education and higher education in promoting the Triple Nexus and sustainable development at Taiz University, with identification of areas for partnership and joint collaboration.
- Role of art in projects: Community awareness of the Triple Nexus approach will be promoted through the integration of art in related interventions and projects. Emphasis will be placed on the creative contributions of artists to project activities beyond photography.
- Role of security institutions: Strengthening the involvement of security actors and related activities within the peace component of the Triple Nexus, especially considering the challenges faced by some stalled projects.
- Adoption of local projects: The workshop recommended prioritizing projects aligned with the specific context of Taiz Governorate, particularly in agriculture and water sectors, as these represent successful concepts supporting the Triple Nexus methodology.
- Role of local authorities: Reinforcing the role of local authorities as a key element to ensure the effective implementation of the Triple Nexus (Peace, humanitarian, and Development) approach.