Cooperation for Sustainable Development: First Lady Dominique Ouattara Meets with Berta Cela, UNDP Representative in Côte d’Ivoire

First Lady Dominique Ouattara received Berta Cela, Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Côte d’Ivoire, in an audience on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at her office in Cocody.

This meeting was part of a courtesy visit, but also served as an opportunity for in-depth discussions on the work carried out by the UN agency in Côte d’Ivoire over the past several decades, as well as on prospects for collaboration with initiatives led by the First Lady.

Following the meeting, Ms. Berta Cela praised the quality of the discussions and highlighted the synergies between the two parties. “I visited the First Lady today for a courtesy call, but that was not the only reason. Above all, it was an opportunity for me to share the work that UNDP has been carrying out in Côte d’Ivoire for five decades now,” she said. She also highlighted the alignment of priorities between the UNDP and the initiatives of Ms. Dominique Ouattara: “We have found that we share many common goals, particularly regarding women’s empowerment, but also the need to place women, families, and communities at the center of sustainable development.”

The discussions also provided an opportunity to explore concrete avenues for collaboration. Commenting on the reception her proposals received, the UNDP Representative did not hide her admiration for the First Lady’s commitment: “I found in the First Lady a true ambassador for the cause of women and sustainable development. Together, we have decided to strengthen our efforts to provide more opportunities for the country’s girls and women.” She finally emphasized the shared vision held by both parties: “It is about placing women at the center of sustainable development, but also at the heart of the ecological transition and innovation.”

This meeting thus marks an important step toward a strengthened partnership between the First Lady, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, and the UNDP, with a view to promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Côte d’Ivoire.