[2026-06-08] Ban Ki-moon Receives Algeria’s Highest State Medal as He Hails Tebboune’s Leadership and Algeria’s Global Sustainable Development Vision

Ban Ki-moon Receives Algeria’s Highest State Medal as He Hails Tebboune’s Leadership and Algeria’s Global Sustainable Development Vision

 

ALGIERS — Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s leadership and Algeria’s commitment to sustainable development and African advancement on Monday, during a high-level meeting in Algiers that concluded with the awarding of Algeria’s highest state distinction.

Ban Ki-moon, currently President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), was received at the Presidency headquarters in the presence of senior Algerian officials, including Director of the Presidential Cabinet Boualem Boualem, Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, Presidential Adviser Amar Abba, and Environment Minister Kaouthar Krikou.

The discussions focused on international cooperation, environmental governance, climate action and sustainable development amid rising global geopolitical and ecological challenges.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune awarded Ban Ki-moon the “Athir” Medal of the National Order of Merit, Algeria’s highest state honour, in recognition of his contributions to international peace, security, poverty reduction and multilateral cooperation during his tenure as UN Secretary-General.

 

Ban Ki-moon expresses “deep appreciation” for Tebboune’s leadership

Speaking after the meeting, Ban Ki-moon expressed “deep gratitude” and “high appreciation” for President Tebboune’s leadership, commending Algeria’s efforts to promote peaceful, inclusive and sustainable development.

“As a former Secretary-General of the United Nations, I highly appreciate and commend President Tebboune’s leadership,” he said, adding that Algeria’s approach extends beyond its borders to Africa and the wider world.

He stressed that Africa’s development had been a core priority during his UN mandate, warning that global sustainability cannot be achieved without addressing the continent’s structural challenges.

“I often told UN member states that without addressing Africa’s challenges, we cannot claim to live in a sustainable world,” he said.

Ban Ki-moon added that he remains committed, through his work with the Global Green Growth Institute, to advancing sustainable development alongside governments, civil society and the private sector.

“My commitment has not changed,” he said. “I will continue working with the people of Algeria and Africa until we achieve a sustainable world for future generations.”

He concluded by calling for collective international action to build “a better and more sustainable world.”

 

Strengthening Algeria’s multilateral positioning

The remarks reinforced Algeria’s longstanding diplomatic position advocating stronger African representation in global governance structures, including within the United Nations system.

The visit also highlighted Algeria’s growing role in climate diplomacy, sustainable development advocacy and South-South cooperation, particularly at a time of increasing global fragmentation.

 

By Dr. Hana Saada