Côte d'Ivoire's Vice President, Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, held a meeting with Dr. Diéné Kéïta, the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), on November 5, 2026, in Abidjan. The discussion focused on enhancing cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and the UNFPA in the areas of human development and demographic challenges. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the High-Level Dialogue on Africa's Demographic Future.
The meeting covered various topics, including youth, education, health, and human capital development, as well as potential areas of cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and the UN system. Koné and Dr. Kéïta also touched on the 60th anniversary of UNFPA in 2027, which will highlight the partnership between the UN agency and Côte d'Ivoire. The two officials emphasized the importance of investing in human capital, health, and the potential of populations for sustainable development.
Dr. Kéïta commended Côte d'Ivoire's progress under President Alassane Ouattara's leadership, citing the country's National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030 as a crucial tool for addressing challenges related to human capital development and preparing young people for the demands of the modern world. The UNFPA Executive Director acknowledged the plan's potential to drive positive change in the country.
According to Koné, sustainable development relies heavily on investments in skills, health, and the potential of populations. He stressed the need for Côte d'Ivoire to focus on human capital development, education, and healthcare to ensure a brighter future for its citizens. The Vice President's remarks underscored the government's commitment to prioritizing human development.
The High-Level Dialogue on Africa's Demographic Future, which Dr. Kéïta participated in, brought together experts and policymakers to discuss the continent's demographic trends and their implications for development. Côte d'Ivoire's participation in this dialogue reflects the country's interest in addressing demographic challenges and leveraging its youthful population as a driver of growth.
The meeting between Koné and Dr. Kéïta demonstrates the strong partnership between Côte d'Ivoire and the UNFPA. The two officials expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and exploring new areas of collaboration to support Côte d'Ivoire's development goals. This partnership is expected to yield positive outcomes for the country's human development.
The discussion on human development and demographic issues is set to continue, with Côte d'Ivoire and the UNFPA working together to address the country's challenges and capitalize on its opportunities. As the country prepares for the 60th anniversary of UNFPA in 2027, it is poised to take a leading role in shaping Africa's demographic future.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire's Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné meets with UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Diéné Kéïta to discuss human development and demographic challenges.
- The meeting focuses on strengthening cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and the UNFPA in areas such as youth, education, and health.
- The two officials emphasize the importance of investing in human capital, health, and population potential for sustainable development.
