On 15 January 2026, UNDP Cameroon and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), in partnership with the Government of Cameroon, officially launched the project “Empowering IDPs and Youth through Vocational Training and Livelihoods Support in the Far North Region of Cameroon.” The initiative builds on the partnership agreement signed on 23 September 2025 in New York, on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, marking the transition from a global commitment to concrete implementation on the ground.

The UNDP Saudi Arabia Country Office played a facilitation and support role throughout the process, contributing to coordination between KSrelief and UNDP Cameroon in the lead-up to the launch. These efforts reflect the growing collaboration between Saudi-based partners and UNDP offices across regions, particularly in support of humanitarian and development objectives.

Implemented in Kolofata, in the Mayo Sava Division, one of the areas most affected by displacement and socio-economic disruption, the project focuses on strengthening livelihoods and resilience among internally displaced persons and host communities. Over a 12-month period, it will provide vocational training, entrepreneurship support, renewable energy skills, and startup kits, with direct and indirect benefits for local communities.

The launch event, held in Yaoundé, was attended by senior officials, including the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, H.E. Paul Tasong; the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Cameroon, H.E. Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi; KSrelief Project Manager Supervisor, Mr. Yasser Al-Shehri; and the UNDP Cameroon Resident Representative, Mr. Mathieu Ciowela.

This initiative contributes to the Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus in Cameroon and supports national priorities under Vision 2035 and the Sustainable Development Goals. It also illustrates how global partnerships, initiated at the multilateral level, can be effectively translated into localized impact, with UNDP Saudi Arabia continuing to support coordination between KSrelief and UNDP country teams.