Cherifi Mohand Amokrane

Category : Economy - Management - Commercial Sc. - Transport

CHERIFI Mohand Amokrane

Economist, Diplomat and Politician

UNITAR (United Nations Institute) - Geneva, Switzerland

Born August 26, 1942 in Tizi Ouzou Province, Algeria

Origins & Education

Mohand Amokrane Cherifi was born on August 26, 1942, in the wilaya of Tizi Ouzou, in Kabylia, in a colonial Algeria in full political turmoil. His training in the most prestigious French and American institutions forged an exceptional profile as an economist and international diplomat.

Scientific and Technical Training:

Engineering Formation: Graduate of French grandes écoles, notably École Polytechnique, elite institution for scientific training
University Grenoble-Alpes: Pursued engineering studies at University Grenoble-Alpes in France, acquiring solid technical training
Scientific Specialization: In-depth training in the field of sciences, foundation for his future expertise in development economics

Excellence in Economic Training:

Harvard Doctorate: Pursued a training cycle for obtaining a Doctorate in Economics at Harvard University, United States
Specialization: Expertise in development economics, international trade, and urbanism
International Training: This prestigious training gave him a global vision of international economic issues
Academic Research: Development of theoretical and practical expertise in economic policies

Scientific Career

Mohand Amokrane Cherifi's career is characterized by remarkable evolution between national responsibilities, international expertise, and political engagement, marked by significant contributions to economic development and international cooperation.

National Career in Algeria: Ministry

Civil Service: Climbed all ranks of the Algerian civil service since independence
Secretary General of Ministry: Held positions as secretary general in central administration
Minister of Commerce (1987-1988): Appointed in the Brahimi II Government replacing Mostéfa Benamar from November 17, 1987
Minister Advisor (1989-1990): Served as minister advisor to the head of government

Diplomatic and International Career: Diplomacy

First Algerian Diplomat at UN: Pioneer of Algerian diplomacy at the United Nations, later followed by Professor Mohamed Belhocine
FLN Office in New York: Opened an FLN representation office in New York during the Liberation War
Advocacy for Independence: Inscribed the Algerian question on the UN General Assembly agenda and advocated for the right to self-determination
President of Association of Algerian International Civil Servants: Leader of the international Algerian diplomatic community

UN Expertise: United Nations

UNDP Executive Coordinator: Executive coordinator of the World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty within the United Nations Development Programme
UNCTAD Expert: Programme coordinator at UNCTAD for modernization of franc zone countries' economies
UNITAR Senior Advisor: Has served for about twenty years as senior advisor to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research
South-South Cooperation Expertise: Recognized specialist in international cooperation and sustainable urban development

Political Engagement: FFS

FFS Presidential Instance (2013-2020): Elected member of the Presidential Instance of the Socialist Forces Front at the fifth congress in 2013
Collective Leadership: Part of a five-member presidential instance with Ali Laskri, Rachid Hallet, Aziz Baloul, and Saïda Ichalamen
Resignation (2020): Announced his resignation from the presidential instance in February 2020 with two other members in a crisis context

Distinctions & Recognition

Mohand Amokrane Cherifi's expertise and commitment are recognized by prestigious international distinctions that consecrate his contribution to sustainable development and international cooperation.

UN Distinction (2014) - 1st: Distinguished for the second time by the United Nations for his work at UNDP as designer and coordinator of the World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty
UN Distinction (2014) - 2nd: Another distinction awarded by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation during the 2014 Global South-South Development Expo in Washington
Special Recognition: "In recognition of his special contribution to South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation, as a reward for his work in training, research and projects"
Tribute to Hocine Aït Ahmed: Dedicated these honorary distinctions to Hocine Aït Ahmed, historic figure of Algeria
Contribution to Urban Development: Recognized as key actor in inclusive and sustainable urban development
Impact on Policies: His work has influenced several sustainable development and economic integration policies

Impact & Influence

Mohand Amokrane Cherifi's influence extends to several strategic domains, from Algeria's economic modernization to international cooperation, including the promotion of sustainable urban development on a global scale.

Economic Modernization of Algeria: Contribution to modernizing economic strategies in Africa and the Middle East since independence
International Cooperation: Active role in international cooperation on trade policies and development
Global Urban Development: Designer and coordinator of the World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty, initiative that promoted decentralized international cooperation
Training and Research: Significant contribution to entrepreneur training and start-up development, notably through the Ibtikar program
Development Economics Expertise: Influence on development policies in Africa and developing countries
Advocate of "Economic Patriotism": Advocacy for protecting strategic sectors and enterprises

Major Contributions

Development Programs:

World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty: Design and coordination of this major UNDP initiative
Ibtikar Program (2014-2016): Training of a thousand young Algerian graduates in entrepreneurship
South-South Cooperation: Development of cooperation programs between developing countries
Franc Zone Economies Modernization: Coordination of UNCTAD programs

Advisory Expertise:

European Union Consultant: Expert with EU on economic and trade issues
African Union Consultant: Expertise in African economic integration
UNITAR Representative: Representation of the UN Agency for Training and Research
International Lecturer: Visiting professor at several prestigious universities

Critical Analysis: Mohand Amokrane Cherifi's career illustrates the contradictions of the post-independence Algerian elite: international excellence in training, globally recognized expertise, but evolution within a contested political system. His relations with Algerian business leaders through UNITAR and his political positioning raise debates about the independence of expertise in the face of power issues.

Positions and Analyses

Critique of Globalization: "This liberalization was designed to create open markets for those economies that have reached advanced levels of development"
Economic Security: Constant advocacy for Algeria's economic and social security
National Unity: "The urgency is to consolidate national unity because it is a vital imperative"
Endogenous Development: Promotion of a development model respectful of national sovereignty
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Support for start-up development and digital economy in Algeria

Academic and Professional Roles

Visiting Professor: Guest lecturer at several prestigious universities
International Conferences: Regular speaker on development economics and international cooperation
Policy Advisory: Advisor to governments and international organizations
Research Publications: Contributions to academic research on development economics
Institutional Leadership: Leadership roles in various international development organizations

Current Activities

UNITAR Senior Advisor: Ongoing role in training and research for developing countries
Development Consultant: Advisory work for various international organizations
Start-up Ecosystem Development: Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in Algeria and Africa
Policy Analysis: Regular commentary on economic and political developments
International Relations: Continued engagement in diplomatic and economic cooperation

"In the history of nations, there exists a dimension found on all continents since ancient times, namely that a united people is invincible against rising perils."

Cherifi Mohand Amokrane