The United Nations raised more than $2 billion on Tuesday to help civilians in Yemen, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailing the donor conference in Geneva as a "remarkable success".
Guterres told reporters that in addition to the $2 billion already committed, multiple countries had promised more donations in the coming months, leaving him "optimistic that we will be able to reach the level that corresponds to the needs".
The target for the 2018 Yemen humanitarian appeal was set at $2.96 billion (2.4 billion euros).
Last year's Yemen appeal for $2.5 billion, which was 73 percent funded, but the needs have intensified in the country.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were the largest donors at Tuesday's conference, jointly pledging $1 billion in humanitarian relief, according to figures provided by the UN.
Guterres underscored that the only way to ensure that Yemen donor conferences do not continue year after year is for the sides to negotiate a peace deal.
"There was never a humanitarian solution for any humanitarian crisis," he said. "The solution has always been political"
"Humanitarians must be able to reach the people who need help the most, without conditions," Guterres said.
"All ports must remain open to humanitarian and commercial cargo, the medicines, food and the fuel needed to deliver them," he added, emphasizing the need for "unrestricted access" to the country and within it.
The UN's Yemen envoy, Martin Griffiths, has recently visited Riyadh and Sanaa in hopes of revitalizing sputtering peace talks.
"I believe there is an opportunity and that opportunity must be seized," Guterres said, explaining that Griffiths was "encouraged" by his trip and sees a window for further talks.
.jpg?w=600)
