Mr. Abdallah Al Dardari, Regional Director for the Arab States at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has concluded a visit to Algeria, reinforcing the enduring partnership between UNDP and the Algerian Government.

During his visit, Mr. Al Dardari engaged in high-level discussions with key government officials, underscoring the ongoing reforms in Algeria and the strategic alignment of UNDP’s support with the country’s sustainable development priorities. These exchanges further emphasized the shared commitment to advancing Algeria’s development agenda.

Mr. Al Dardari held meetings with ministers and key stakeholders from various sectors, reaffirming UNDP's commitment to supporting Algeria's national development priorities. The discussions focused on bolstering Algeria's resilience in critical areas, including financial reforms, energy transition, climate action and enhancement of the healthcare system.

Diplomatic and multilateral commitment

On October 27, during a meeting with Mr. Lounes Magramane, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Al Dardari congratulated Algeria on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2024-2025. The discussions highlighted Algeria's expanding role in promoting peace, stability and sustainable development in the region.

Mr. Al Dardari also expressed UNDP's commitment to supporting Algeria’s global leadership, particularly in addressing the challenges of development financing through innovative mechanisms.

Local governance and decentralization

Also on October 27, Mr. Al Dardari met with Mr. Laarbi Merzouk, Secretary General of the Ministry of the Interior, to discuss UNDP support for local governance and decentralization reforms. The discussions centered on Algeria’s initiatives to reduce inequalities, particularly through the “zones d'ombre” program. The partnership between UNDP and the Ministry will emphasize localizing the SDGs and supporting the preparation of the Voluntary Local Review (VLR), enhancing energy efficiency through smart public lighting, and promoting sustainable development at the local level.

Mr. Al Dardari commended Algeria's commitment to regional development and expressed support for innovative local governance solutions aimed at fostering inclusive development.

Environmental sustainability and climate action

Mr. Al Dardari continued his visit with a meeting with Ms. Samira Hamidi, Secretary General of the Ministry of the Environment and Renewable Energies. He commended Algeria’s leadership in balancing sustainable development with climate resilience, as well as its efforts in biodiversity conservation and renewable energy development. He reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting climate governance initiatives in Algeria and contributing to the advancement of the National Adaptation Plan.

Strengthening financial and economic reforms

On October 28, Mr. Al Dardari met with Mr. Abdelkrim Bouzred, Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, to discuss Algeria's financial reform program. The discussions focused on the role of the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) in mobilizing domestic resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advance financial inclusion. Mr. Al Dardari commended Algeria's progress in this area, particularly its efforts to digitize financial systems and enhance financial resilience through inclusive insurance mechanisms.

Supporting the energy transition

Mr. Al Dardari also met with Mr. Abdelkrim Aouissi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, to reaffirm UNDP's commitment to supporting Algeria’s energy transition vision. With a focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency, Mr. Al Dardari highlighted the strategic alignment between UNDP initiatives and Algeria’s energy ambitions. He also reiterated UNDP’s readiness to assist Algeria in developing carbon markets and strengthening regulatory frameworks to promote sustainable energy practices.

Strengthening international cooperation 

On October 28, 2024, Mr. Abdallah Al Dardari met with Mr. Abed Hallouz, Director General of the Algerian Agency for International Cooperation for Development and Solidarity (AACI), to explore opportunities for collaboration between UNDP and AACI. The meeting served to identify partnership areas aligned with the strategic priorities of the Algerian Agency and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa, with a particular focus on capacity building for developing impactful projects that best address the needs of communities.

Strengthening Algeria's innovation ecosystem 

Continuing his visit, Mr. Abdallah Al Dardari met with Mr. Yacine Oualid, Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Microenterprises, to deepen the partnership in support of Algeria’s innovation ecosystem. The discussions centered on UNDP’s commitment to supporting Algeria in its digital transition, particularly in implementing the national artificial intelligence strategy, while highlighting the importance of cross-sector coordination to maximize its impact.

Support for economic diversification and private sector involvement 

On October 29, 2024, Mr. Abdallah Al Dardari, met with Mr. Hocine Zaoui, Director of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACI), to explore partnership opportunities to support private sector development, given its essential role in Algeria's economic diversification. Mr. Al Dardari proposed an integrated support program aimed at strengthening the capacities of both the private sector and the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, encompassing its various branches across the country.

Strengthening the healthcare system

The visit was also highlighted by the inauguration of new drug control laboratories at the Agence Nationale des Produits Pharmaceutiques (ANPP), marking a significant milestone in Algeria’s efforts to enhance the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products. This project, implemented by the ANPP with support from UNDP and backed by Germany through the KFW development bank, strengthens Algeria’s capacity to meet international standards and increase its competitiveness in the global pharmaceutical market.

On this occasion, Mr. Al Dardari exchanged views with Mr. Ali Aoun, Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, on areas of cooperation between the two institutions. The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to economic diversification and sustainable resource management, aligned with Algeria’s national priorities.

Conclusion

Mr. Abdallah Al Dardari’s visit underscored the strength and depth of the partnership between UNDP and Algeria, reaffirming UNDP’s commitment to advancing the country’s development priorities across multiple sectors. From innovative financing solutions to strengthening local governance and promoting environmental sustainability, UNDP is well-positioned to support Algeria in its pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and its broader development ambitions.