The Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (FNUAP), Diene Kéita, was received by Côte d'Ivoire's Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné on November 5, 2026. The meeting at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan focused on cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and FNUAP, particularly in addressing demographic and development challenges. They discussed several issues related to Africa's demographic future, human capital development, and inequality.
Kéita expressed her appreciation to the Ivoirian authorities for hosting the High-Level Dialogue on Africa's Demographic Future in Abidjan. This international meeting, co-organized by the Ivoirian government, the African Union, and FNUAP, aims to prioritize demographic dynamics in discussions on the continent's development prospects. The dialogue seeks to address the challenges and opportunities presented by Africa's rapidly growing population.
During the meeting, Kéita also acknowledged Côte d'Ivoire's support for the candidacy of Professor Serigne Magueye Gueye, a Senegalese urologist and obstetrician, who was awarded the 2026 United Nations Population Prize in the individual category. Gueye was recognized for his efforts in repairing obstetric fistulas as a United Nations champion on this issue. This award highlights Gueye's commitment to improving maternal health in Africa.
The discussions also touched on FNUAP's institutional perspectives, including the celebration of its 60th anniversary in 2027. The next session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development will focus on inequalities and strategies for lifting populations out of poverty. This aligns with FNUAP's goals of addressing demographic challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Kéita praised Côte d'Ivoire's economic and social performance under President Alassane Ouattara, citing the country as a global example to follow. She highlighted the orientations of Côte d'Ivoire's National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030, which she believes aligns with the requirements of strengthening human capital. The plan focuses on preparing young generations for an ever-changing world.
The FNUAP Executive Director emphasized the importance of better preparing young generations, from primary education to university, to integrate effectively into a rapidly changing world. This requires investing in education and skills development to equip them with the tools needed to succeed. By doing so, Côte d'Ivoire can harness its demographic dividend to drive sustainable development.
The meeting between Kéita and Koné reflects FNUAP's interest in Côte d'Ivoire's development experience and its efforts to make demographic transition, education, and human capital valorization essential levers of sustainable development in Africa. As the continent continues to grapple with demographic challenges, Côte d'Ivoire's progress under President Ouattara serves as a model for others to follow.
Key points
- FNUAP Executive Director Diene Kéita met with Côte d'Ivoire's Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné to discuss cooperation on demographic and development challenges.
- Kéita praised Côte d'Ivoire's economic and social performance under President Alassane Ouattara, citing the country as a global example to follow.
- The two officials discussed FNUAP's institutional perspectives, including the celebration of its 60th anniversary in 2027.
