Algerian Radio
The Ministry of Health commemorated World Population Day this Wednesday in Algiers, under the theme "Fulfilling the Hopes and Aspirations of Youth, Now and in the Future." The event saw the participation of representatives from various ministries, United Nations agencies operating in Algeria, and representatives of national institutions and bodies.
The meeting focused on discussing demographic shifts and their implications for development, while highlighting the importance of investing in youth as a primary pillar for leveraging the demographic dividend and achieving sustainable development.
The meeting included several presentations on major issues related to demographic transformations, such as the results of the global survey "Life, Choices, and Future: Demography Prospects 2026." Presentations also reviewed population dynamics and the demographic dividend in Algeria, national strategic frameworks for youth, and the prospects for human and social development for the 2026–2040 period.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Ministry’s Secretary General, Mohamed Talhi, Minister of Health Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudène stated that "Algeria has a real opportunity to benefit from the demographic dividend by maintaining a young population structure." He emphasized that achieving this gain "depends on continuous investment in human capital by strengthening youth capabilities and empowering them to contribute to national development."
In this context, he praised the orientation of the country’s high authorities, enshrined in the Constitution, which "highlights the exceptional potential of Algerian youth and the State's determination to ensure their full involvement in building the nation and safeguarding the interests of future generations."
He added that this vision has been "translated into an integrated set of public policies under the leadership of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune," including the creation of the High Council for Youth, the implementation of national youth plans, the preparation of the National Youth Strategy for 2035, and programs related to employment, entrepreneurship, health, training, and housing.
For her part, the representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Algeria, Faiza Bendriss, explained that "Algeria possesses a significant demographic opportunity that opens wide horizons for development, thanks to the youth segment, which represents a major asset for innovation, creativity, and economic growth." She added that this group serves as the fundamental lever to transform current demographic shifts into an opportunity for sustainable development.
