His Excellency the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Mukhtar Al-Yafaei, met today at the Ministry's headquarters in the interim capital, Aden, with the Chairperson of the Central Statistical Organization (CSO), Dr. Safaa Moati, to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation and coordination in the production of social data and indicators, and enhancing their use in guiding assistance programs and shaping social protection and development policies based on actual needs.

The meeting reviewed coordination mechanisms for conducting specialized field surveys, establishing a computerized social database within the Ministry, and ensuring its continuous updating to facilitate data sharing and utilization. Discussions also covered capacity-building initiatives, including training Ministry personnel and developing a specialized statistical unit.

Minister Al-Yafaei emphasized that the Central Statistical Organization is the country's official source of statistical data, noting that the accuracy and effectiveness of cash assistance and social support programs depend on the availability of reliable and regularly updated statistical databases. Such data, he said, are essential for identifying the most vulnerable groups, ensuring assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries, promoting equity in resource allocation, and reducing duplication in targeting and disbursement.

The Minister further explained that building an effective social protection system requires the integration of data systems, the measurement of program and intervention impacts, and their alignment with national priorities. He called for the establishment of a joint technical framework that links survey findings with planning and decision-making processes, supporting the Ministry's transition from emergency response toward recovery and sustainable development.

For her part, Dr. Moati reaffirmed the Central Statistical Organization's readiness to strengthen its partnership with the Ministry by providing the necessary data, statistical reports, and survey findings. She also expressed the Organization's commitment to supporting the implementation of field surveys, the development of the Ministry's social database and statistical unit, and the training of its staff, thereby enhancing the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of social programs and contributing to improved services for vulnerable families and population groups.