The Ambassador detailed Yemen’s strategic importance at the Bab al-Mandab strait and its status as one of the world’s oldest civilizations, historically known as "Arabia Felix". Highlighting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the 2,500-year-old city of Sana’a and the unique biodiversity of Socotra Island, the lecture underscored that Yemen possesses significant cultural assets. These landmarks serve as the foundation for a national narrative that emphasizes ancient urban history and environmental uniqueness.

Practical diplomatic efforts in Germany have included the screening of Yemen’s first cinematic movie, 10 Days Before the Wedding, and a dedicated Yemeni Culture Day featuring traditional songs and art. Modern technology, such as virtual reality exhibitions, has also been employed to allow German audiences to experience Yemeni landscapes despite travel difficulties. These initiatives are designed to connect both the host population and the Yemeni diaspora to the nation's artistic identity.

A central theme of the address was the role of education and culture in countering extremist ideologies. The Ambassador argued that while Yemen has historically allocated approximately 70% of its budget to the military, investment in education is a more effective long-term strategy for national stability. He asserted that extremist ideologies cannot be defeated by "bullets only" but must be challenged through ideas and cultural engagement.

In conclusion, the forum illustrated that cultural diplomacy is essential for "completing the picture" of a nation often defined solely by crisis. While the international community remains focused on the humanitarian toll of the war, the Ambassador urged partners to continue discussing Yemen’s heritage to prevent its struggle from being ignored. Ultimately, culture remains a resilient bridge for international cooperation and trust.

Forum on Cultural Diplomacy in the European Union

Potsdam, Germany | 18–19 June 2026

"Good morning everyone.

I'm really glad to be here today talking about my country, Yemen. Thanks a lot to ICD, and thank you, Dr. Mark. We have a very good relationship with ICD, with many previous events.

Allow me today to talk a little bit about the culture in my country, and then about the cultural diplomacy that we, at the Yemen Embassy, have carried out here in Germany.

Well, first of all, some information about Yemen. We have around 40 million inhabitants and more than 500,000 square kilometers, in a very important and strategic location.

We are located at the heart of Bab al-Mandab, so this is a very important location. Yemen is one of the homes of the world's oldest civilizations, with four UNESCO World Heritage sites, and we used to be known as Arabia Felix — Happy Arabia.

We have more than 60 years of relations with Germany. Germany is a really close friend to Yemen, always close to us, even in difficult times. And in difficult times, you know who your real friends are.

Germany used to be the second biggest supporter of Yemen in terms of development and humanitarian aid, and we still have very good relations politically and in other fields.

I was supposed to have some photos about Yemen, but maybe they are not ready. No problem.

I was going to talk about some famous cities in Yemen, like Sana'a, the capital. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, around 2,500 years old, and it was also one of the first places with very high buildings in human history.

And of course, Socotra Island. I just want to ask you: how many of you have heard about Socotra Island in the Indian Ocean?

It is one of the most unique islands in the world. There are many creatures that only exist in Socotra, and there are no dangerous wild animals there. The only dangerous thing you might face is the black widow spider.

It is a beautiful place, and we still receive tourists until now, even during the war in Yemen.

As I mentioned, there is a lot of unique nature in Socotra, such as the Dragon Blood Tree, which exists only on Socotra Island in Yemen.

Why does cultural diplomacy matter?

I believe it is a really important tool for diplomacy around the world, especially for Yemen, because we have a very difficult situation. We have been suffering from war with the Houthi militia since 2014.

Culture is the beautiful face of Yemen, and it is the true face of Yemen. That is why I am really keen to show the beautiful face of my country.

I have spent the last years talking to my German friends here in Germany about war, conflicts, and challenges. But Yemen is much more than that. The truth of Yemen is the beautiful face, which is the cultural face of Yemen.

Cultural diplomacy is important for us in Yemen because we can promote a good image of Yemen. We can send many messages through cultural events, build trust with our German friends, and maintain communication with German people, which is the most important goal for Yemeni diplomacy here in Germany.

We have organized some cultural events, even though it has been very difficult to present Yemeni culture here in Germany. Bringing people from Yemen was a very difficult thing for us.

Just a few weeks ago, we held an exhibition about photos from Yemen and brought some young Yemeni artists to Germany.

It was important for us that these young artists could talk to the German audience because they would not only talk about the photos; they would talk about the country, about the people, and present a very good example of Yemeni culture.

This exhibition also contained virtual reality, so people could feel like they were in Yemen without facing the difficulties of travelling to Yemen.

We also showed here in Berlin, with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, a movie called 10 Days Before the Wedding.

It was the first cinema movie in Yemen. That was something really important. Maybe it is a regular thing in other countries, but in Yemen this means a lot to us.

We brought the director and the main actors, and we showed it twice.

The first screening was for our German friends, and it was a very good experience for them to see a movie from a completely different part of the world.

The second screening was for the Yemeni community here in Germany, and it was an amazing opportunity for them to feel the connection between themselves and their country.

So cultural diplomacy is not only for our friends in Germany; it is also for our community. It is really important.

We also had a whole Yemeni Culture Day in 2022. We brought Yemeni singers and artists, we showed paintings from Yemen, and we had a whole night with Yemeni songs.

We are very famous in the Arab world for our songs, so this was also a very good opportunity to show our art to our German friends.

I believe this beautiful face and this very rich Yemeni culture are facing the main challenge that the whole country has been facing since 2014, which is the Houthi militia.

You cannot have development, stability, or normal cultural life when the country is occupied by a very extremist militia.

We are facing not only a military struggle against this militia. First of all, and most importantly, we are facing a cultural struggle, because you have to educate your people to face such extremist ideology.

I just want to comment on His Excellency the Ambassador of Costa Rica when he was talking about the military in his country.

In Yemen, we used to spend around 70% of our budget on the military. But when we had the challenge with the Houthi militia, we did not succeed in facing the problem.

If we had spent this money on education and our youth, I believe we would not have this challenge with militias.

I totally agree that spending the country's budget on education is much more important than anything else.

Also, with our struggle against this militia, I believe education and culture are the most important things.

You cannot fight ideas and ideologies with bullets only; you can fight them with ideas and thoughts.

That is what we are trying to do in the Yemeni government.

I will not talk longer. Again, I am really happy to be here today, and it is a great chance to talk about my country, Yemen.

I am sure you usually hear only bad news about the conflict and the war. So I really appreciate this opportunity to talk about the true face of Yemen, which is the beautiful face.

Thank you.

[Applause]

Moderator:

Thank you so much, Your Excellency.

And that is the idea behind cultural diplomacy: to help complete the picture.

Our countries are this and this, but they are also this, this, and this.

I think that is exactly the job of cultural diplomacy: to complete the picture.

I appreciate also having the opportunity. Since you are here, let's take one brief question. I don't want to completely cut the discussions, even though we are tight on time.

Is there a brief comment or a question?

Participant:

Good morning, Ambassador. Welcome to ICD again, because we had you earlier as well.

My question is regarding the internal conflicts that you also made explicit reference to in your presentation. Do you think cultural diplomacy, internal cultural diplomacy, could also play a role in such conflicts and in their resolution? That is my question. I will keep it very brief.

Ambassador:

Exactly. That is what I mentioned: culture and education are the main tools to face extremism and extreme ideas.

So yes, of course, it is a very important tool for us in Yemen, and we are trying very hard and very seriously to use this tool.

Thank you.

[Applause]

Participant:

Yes, since we are here, my question. Of course.

Thank you, Your Excellency. My name is Arlet. I am from the Netherlands.

As an aspiring cultural diplomat, and as someone who has worked in strategic communications in the cultural sector for the last 10 to 15 years, I would like to ask: after hearing your speech, what can we do to be part of this movement of cultural diplomatic efforts to change people's minds and ideas, and perhaps open people's hearts to Yemeni culture?

I just Googled it very quickly — your beautiful beaches and your beautiful country. I am familiar with your food as well. If you have recommendations in Berlin, I would be more than happy to explore them.

But beyond that, what can we do?

 

Ambassador:

First of all, we have restaurants here in Berlin, and also in the Netherlands and many places in Europe.

I believe the most important thing you can do for Yemeni culture, and to help Yemen, is to talk about Yemen.

Let people know more about Yemen, because our main challenge is that since 2020 we have had a ceasefire, and nobody hears anymore about Yemen.

But the suffering is still there. People are still being killed every day by the militia.

What happened is that the international community pressed mute on the Yemeni people. They are dying, but silently. They do not make noise.

So the most important thing for all our friends around the world is to talk about Yemen and bring Yemen again to the attention of your friends and your communities.

Moderator:

Excellent.

Now let us express our sincere gratitude once again for the investment. Thank you, Your Excellency."

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