In New York, Niger is advancing its international cooperation in agriculture, seeking to reinforce food sovereignty and rural resilience.
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine met with Ms. Diene Keita, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), at the Permanent Mission of Niger to the United Nations.
Accompanied by her team, including UNFPA’s newly appointed representative for Niger, Ms. Keita reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting the Nigerien government.
The discussions centered on aligning UNFPA interventions with the vision of President Army General Abdourahamane Tiani, particularly in the agricultural sector.
“Agriculture is a strategic lever for achieving food sovereignty,” Ms. Keita emphasized, highlighting the role of the UN agency in bolstering the capacity of rural communities facing climate-related and food security challenges.
The meeting underscored the importance of ensuring that interventions translate into tangible benefits for farmers and local populations.
Prime Minister Zeine expressed appreciation for UNFPA’s engagement, stressing that international partnerships must directly support Niger’s national priorities. “This dialogue represents more than a formal exchange; it embodies a shared commitment to transform plans into concrete actions for the well-being of our communities,” he said.
The audience, attended by several members of the Nigerien government and diplomatic officials, symbolized the high significance Niger places on mobilizing international support for sustainable agriculture. By fostering collaboration with UNFPA, the government aims to strengthen the resilience of rural populations, improve food production systems, and advance long-term food security.
As discussions concluded, both sides emphasized the need to move from intentions to measurable outcomes. The meeting reflects Niger’s strategy of leveraging global partnerships to address domestic challenges and ensure that development initiatives produce real, lasting impacts.
This cooperation between UNFPA and Niger signals a focused approach to agricultural development, combining technical expertise, strategic planning, and international support to secure the country’s food sovereignty in a changing climate.
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