United Nations in Seychelles

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in the United Nations Resident Coordinator's office for Seychelles:

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29 July 2022

Launch of the Joint SDG Fund

29 July 2022, InterContinental Hotel, Balaclava: Today representatives from the United Nations and government officials from Mauritius and Seychelles launched a significant UN Joint SDG Fund project to advance the countries’ green and blue economy agenda. The two-year project is entitled “Contributing to establishing an enabling environment to promote sustainable Green and Blue Economy in Mauritius and Seychelles”. The project will be implemented by UNEP, UNDP, UNECA, ILO, IOM, and UNFPA.[1] Speaking on at the launch of the project were: UNEP Acting Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Sonja Leighton-Kone. She highlighted: Mauritius and Seychelles are connected by their island heritage, and today by their efforts to pioneer innovative solutions to today’s global crises as they are on the frontline of the planetary emergency. Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms. Christine N. Umutoni emphasized: “We have less than 9 years to ensure the implementation of the SDGs…As countries rebuild from the pandemic, we need to ensure that the SDGs are the compass so that we can ‘build back better’ for a more sustainable and inclusive society.” Government ministers representing their countries were: The Hon. Flavien Joubert, Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment in Seychelles who spoke about the significance of the Joint SDG Fund project to contribute to the Blue Economy that waste management in one country impacts other parts of the world by promoting a circular economy model “we can turn waste into money”. The Hon. Georges Lesjongard, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities in Mauritius emphasized the need for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to take “dynamic, creative, and sustained action” to address the climate crisis. He also thanked the Joint SDG Fund for its support for ocean renewables. In Mauritius, the focus of the project is on renewable energy as the country is heavily reliant on fossil fuel imports for its energy use with only 23.9% of its electricity produced from renewable sources, namely hydropower, bagasse, onshore wind, and solar. To reduce its dependence on fossil fuels imports, meet its international commitments on climate change and develop new economic pillars, the Government of Mauritius announced in its Budget statement 2021-2022 that it will revise its renewable energy target from 40% to 60% by 2030. The Joint SDG Fund will support the country in creating an enabling environment for achieving the target with support to ocean renewable energy technologies. Importantly the Joint SDG Fund will address inequalities related to women, girls, and youth participation in the renewable energy sector. In Seychelles, the focus is on solid waste management (SWM), which poses a significant challenge to the country. An average amount of 80,000 tons of waste is generated every year with the primary landfill expected to reach full capacity by 2025. Faced with the problem of scarcity of land, Seychelles will need to adopt a sustainable SWM system. To address this problem the Fund will support the government to promote a circular economy to reduce the amount of waste flowing to the landfill along with a financing strategy and strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors. After the official launch, a high-level panel discussion on COP27 was held to highlight the expectations of both Mauritius and Seychelles for this forthcoming global UN Climate Change Conference. This was an opportunity to brainstorm strategies to build resilience to climate change bearing in mind that Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) like Mauritius is on the frontlines of climate change as they feel the impacts first and most severely. Joint SDG Fund: It is a multi-party trust fund aimed at getting the world back on track to achieve the SDGs. To date it has funded 200 joint programmes focused on integrated social protection or SDG finance, it has stimulated over 1,000+ partnerships working together alongside the UN to support the SDGs and it has tested over 300 innovative solutions to accelerate the 2030 Agenda. [1] UN agency acronyms: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

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Press Release

11 September 2021

Southern Africa Migration Management (SAMM) Project

The Southern Africa Migration Management (SAMM) Project, funded by the European Commission, is a four-year project to improve migration management in the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region. The SAMM Project is implemented by the ILO in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The specific objectives (SO) and key results areas (KRA) of the project are as follows:

SO1: Improved policy environment for labour migration across the region and improved access to legal and efficient means of labour mobility for (prospective) labour migrants.

KRA1.1: Rights-based legal and efficient channels of labour migration and mobility (including appropriate protection measures for migrant workers) promoted and put in place in the Southern Africa / Indian Ocean region.

KRA1.2: A Southern African and Indian Ocean migration observatory established and fully operational.

SO2: Strengthened and informed decision-making as well as management of mixed migration flows, including improved protection of vulnerable migrants in the Southern African and Indian Ocean region.

KRA2: Evidence-based management strategies and policies to address mixed migration challenges, including assurance of appropriate protection frameworks for vulnerable migrants, are formulated and implemented.

The project targets the following regional organizations: i) Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), ii) the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and; iii) the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). It focuses on the following countries: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The implementation of the project started in January 2020 with the recruitment of staff and the preparation of stocktaking exercise regarding completed and on-going activities in the field of labour migration undertaken in the countries covered by the project, to the extent that these activities have a bearing on the workplan of the project.

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Press Release

11 September 2021

Child protection and COVID-19

When it comes to violence, a number of factors related to confinement measures are likely to result in increased risk for children including heightened tensions in the household, added stressors placed on caregivers, economic uncertainty, job loss or disruption to livelihoods, and social isolation. Children may also increasingly witness intimate partner violence. During the crisis, identifying children at risk is inherently more challenging given that many adults who would typically recognize signs of abuse, such as teachers, childcare workers, coaches, extended family and community members and child and family welfare workers, are no longer in regular contact with children. With the loss or reduction of household income, there may be an increased need or expectation for children to contribute to their families financially by engaging in work. This presents the potential for children to be exposed to hazardous or exploitative forms of work and could also contribute to gender imbalances within the family if girls are increasingly expected to perform household duties and chores. Mitigating measures such as the closure of non-essential services is likely to threaten and derail access to birth registration services for many families. A birth certificate, obtained through the birth registration process, is proof of legal identity, and is the basis upon which children can establish a nationality, avoid the risk of statelessness and seek protection from violence and exploitation. Possession of a birth certificate is protective in many ways since proof of age is needed to help prevent child labour, child marriage and underage recruitment into the armed forces. Children without parental or family care, including those living on the streets, in alternative care and those deprived of their liberty are especially vulnerable under the current circumstances. Most countries still lack accurate and reliable figures on the number, and characteristics, of children in such situations. The potential of being exposed to, or infected, by the virus in crowded settings is high given that physical distancing and other basic sanitation practices are often difficult to observe. For children in residential care, a lack of capacity and resources could result in a rapid closure of such facilities, with children being returned to families without proper preparation. The closure of facilities to outsiders is likely to result in limited oversight, which could lead to increased risk for neglect and violence. For children in street situations, access to help and support services is likely to be disrupted and even more challenging. Measures such as the closure of courts and the suspension of trials and proceedings, could result in the continued detention of children who might otherwise be released or placed in non-custodial alternatives. While the pandemic’s impact on the number of children becoming child brides and grooms is not precisely known, experience shows that the circumstances created by this crisis may introduce risks for children. For example, child marriage is more common among poorer segments of the population, and pressures including a family’s economic burden and the desire to secure financial stability for daughters are often cited as reasons that parents choose to have girls marry at a young age. Thus, the unemployment crisis and economic uncertainty stemming from the pandemic might bring more families to use child marriage as a coping mechanism. In addition, decisions about a girl’s education and marriage are often made in tandem, with an exit from education paired with entry into marriage; thus, school closures and the resulting interruption to girls’ education may hasten the arrangements for marriage. What UNICEF is doing We are at the very early stages of understanding how the coronavirus pandemic and similar public health crises affect child protection. Such gaps are compounded by deficits in statistical evidence more generally. It will be particularly challenging to track changes in levels of protection risks resulting from COVID-19, since most countries do not even have a reliable baseline. That said, UNICEF is undertaking a number of activities to explore methods for estimating the potential impact of COVID-19 on a number of areas of child protection. For example, work is underway to explore possible impacts of the pandemic on the global burden of child marriage and on child labour. Finally, a study is being conducted to understand the potential impacts of COVID-19 on family violence through a variety of data sources that include social media platforms, household surveys and administrative records. The overall aim is to explore the feasibility of quantifying how the pandemic might impact the prevalence of certain forms of violence against children.

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Story

23 February 2022

Chefs for Health and Development

One of my delights in Seychelles is the unique local Creole cuisine, a fusion of cooking from different social groups in the country, which is an expression of their cultural heritage. I was on an official visit in Seychelles when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the country in March 2020. Everything came to a standstill. Our meetings were cancelled. We were able to do one or two skype calls as we did not know about zoom then! Of course, I had to change my plans and take the last flight out of the country. Leaving behind two of my colleagues to continue. I missed the meetings and the discussions planned for my mission, which were mainly to review progress on the implementation of the United Nations (UN) and government cooperation framework. But what really made me sad was the face of one restaurant owner at the beach in Beau Vallon. Suddenly, we were the only three customers in a restaurant that was very popular- where people had to reserve a table in advance. In addition, the entire country was in shock. Food reserves continued to reduce while imports stopped due to disrupted logistics chain, as movements between countries were no more. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the tourism industry, including food business. The pandemic illustrated the fragility of the food systems and the dangers of over relying on food imports. Despite a relatively large share of land available for crop and livestock activities, and fishing being the second most important economic area, Seychelles imports the majority of its produce. Challenges in the movement of goods during the COVID-19 crisis heavily affected the economy At the global level, these challenges were being observed and in September 2021 the UN organized the worldwide Food Systems Summit to discuss such issues. It is in this context that the government of Seychelles (the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment) in partnership with UN Food and Agriculture Organization, facilitated by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, organized the national food systems dialogue. Small in-person focused discussion groups were held with participants from various stakeholders, including farmers, youth, government and civil society. One of the consultations explored the role of Executive Chefs in helping to transform the current food systems. In response to the COVID crisis, there is a growing movement of chefs and food importers willing to work with local farmers and producers to source high-quality domestic products to reduce over dependance on imported food. The chefs formed a “Chef for health and development” group to work with local entrepreneurs to promote the use of locally produced high-quality food in cooking. This movement is part of Chefs for Development, an initiative across island states in the Caribbean, South Pacific and the Indian Ocean. They aim to build linkages between the culinary and agriculture sectors to encourage the use of healthier, locally sourced food and agri-food products to appear on chefs’ menus. At the same time, Seychellois entrepreneurs have revived the production of domestic crops such as cassava, sweet potato, banana, and spices. Encouraging independence at the level of production has seen the transformation of raw products into flour, gluten-free biscuits, pickles, or jams. Seychelles food cultural heritage and can be preserved and sustainable tourism promoted. Championing local production can only be beneficial for the economy. The needs of the industry will be supported by encouraging producers to move away from the low value chain vegetables and to produce more refined and high value products. Important benefits include moving towards eliminating the carbon footprint; contributing to the improvement of the lives of farmers and their families; and encouraging the younger generation to see the importance in farming and fishing. The UN family will stand firm in its commitment to Leave No One Behind and to support Seychelles in such initiatives which promote green recovery and sustainable development.

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10 November 2022

Transforming Education in a Rapidly Changing World - Seychelles post TES dialogues

Over 100 teachers gathered with other school leaders and policymakers for the Ministry of Education’s inaugural Teachers Convention Transforming Education: Curriculum Change and Pedagogical on Saturday 5th November 2022 in Mahé, Seychelles. The conference provided a platform for teachers to engage around issues of professional concern and explore tangible actions to address challenges and promote educational innovation. The importance of the conference was underscored by the attendance of high-level policymakers including the Minister for Education, Dr. Justin Valentin, and the Minister for Investment Entrepreneurship and Industry, Mrs. Devika Vidot. Held in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) the conference built on the principles underlining the global UN Transforming Education Summit held in September 2022. The Summit provided a unique opportunity to elevate education to the top of the global political agenda and to mobilize action, ambition, solidarity, and solutions to recover pandemic-related learning losses and sow the seeds to transform education in a rapidly changing world. The quality of education in Seychelles is high, recognized as the only African country to completely attain all of the UNESCO Education objectives and rated 43rd globally by the world education forum. This achievement is particularly notable with the disruption to education experienced worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 90 % of the world’s children had their education interrupted. This represents the largest disruption of education systems in history. Speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Dr. Rex Mpazanje, WHO Country Representative applauded the Government of Seychelles for keeping schools open safely during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Responding to access to education challenges thrown up by the pandemic reflects a global trend in the way we work and live. Shifting professional skills and a recognition of the importance of creativity in both work and academic life means that educational systems need to adapt making learning more student-centered, connected, dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative. Within this context Dr. Mpazanje stated: ‘Put simply, education remains pivotal to every aspect of our being, the way we think, how we react to what we think, where we will go, what we will achieve and how we will contribute to the betterment of the precarious planet plagued by environmental and societal challenges. Humanity requires transformative education more than ever and teachers have to lead the way in having schools remain flourishing sanctuaries of learning and cultivation of ideas for teachers and students alike.’ The Minister for Education gave a keynote address that used curriculum modifications made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a departure point. He underlined a transformation mantra of changing the face of the classroom to increase learning effectiveness and facilitate mutual enjoyment by both teachers and pupils for the learning process. Dynamic group discussions followed the minister’s address around relevant proposals. Recommendations for teaching financial literacy and health/life skills to be included in the curriculum were explored, as well as specific suggestions on best practices for sharing teaching materials. Those in attendance in unanimously agreed that further discussions will be needed before respective resolutions are adopted. The Ministry of Education intends to organize another convention before any changes are implemented next year.

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13 November 2022

UN Week Mauritius and Seychelles

The United Nations (UN) Country Teams for the Multi-Country (MCO) of Mauritius and Seychelles celebrated UN Day by organising a week of activities from the 21st – 30th October. The UN in Seychelles kickstarted UN Week for the MCO with a timely examination of the opportunities and challenges to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Held on Friday 21st October in collaboration with the University of Seychelles, the panel discussion was moderated by Emeritus Prof. Dennis Hardy with the panel comprising of academics from the University of Seychelles as well as a UNDP representative. The participants addressed questions pertinent to global issues hampering progress towards the SDGs, the challenges of population growth, whether tourism can actually be sustainable in the future, and the progress made towards agenda 2030. The decision to focus the event on youth stems from the UN’s pledge to Leave No One Behind which underpins its work and SDGs. This includes our youth who not only directly experience the outcome of the SDGs but will also be the key driver for their successful implementation in the future. For this reason, it is vital to raise awareness about the 17 SDGs among youth and to promote their engagement around these global goals. UN week continued in Mauritius highlighting activities of different UN agencies working to support the country’s development priorities as per the Strategic Partnership Framework (SPF) agreement and achievement of the SDGs. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) under the leadership of Coffi Agossou, Director of ILO Country Office for Madagascar, Comoros Mauritius and Seychelles held an awareness-raising session on ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment on 26th October. This initiative contributed to the objective of this year's celebration, which is “Building Back Together for Peace and Prosperity”. On 27 Thursday October the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) & Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) – in collaboration with The Mauritius Gymkhana Club, and the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) held a Panel Discussion on “Local solutions to secure the next generation” with key stakeholders in the food chain to reflect on challenges of local food systems and avenues for securing food for a healthy population. The discussion addressing the country’s challenges with food security was in support of SDGs 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals. On Friday a day of activities was held beginning with a dialogue bringing over 50 people representing senior government officials and UN heads of agencies and programme management team for Mauritius together. The UN-Government dialogue provided a unique opportunity to take stock of what has been achieved under the current SPF, extract lessons learned, and to analyze the current country situation. Significantly these discussions will pave the way for the consultative process of the new UN/Government Cooperation Framework 2024-2028. The dialogue underlined the important convening role of the UN in supporting collective action with our partners as we aim to build back better after the recent and ongoing global crisis. Later that afternoon the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness launched the Sexual and Reproductive Health policy and action plan 2022-2027. The launch during UN Week was particularly meaningful as it marks a critical milestone in ensuring effective and efficient integration of sexual reproductive health services within national primary health care strategies to advance progress towards Universal Health Coverage - contributing to SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being. The day was rounded off with a Cultural Event and Farewell Reception for the outgoing UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Christine N. Umutoni. A photo exhibition “Narrating the SDGs Through the Eyes of the Youth” featuring winners from the first UN Mauritius – Business Mauritius national Youth SDG photo competition was on display. The photo competition encouraged youth to explore how the SDGs are relevant to their lives and provided an opportunity for the UN to strengthen partnerships with the private sector in Mauritius. During the evening members of the UN, government, diplomatic corps and other development partners paid tribute to the passion and commitment of the outgoing Resident Coordinator. Speaking on behalf of the UNCT, Celine Lemmel Head of Mission for IOM thanked the Resident Coordinator for her years of service: “Her leadership embodies the values of the UN as emphasized in the UN charter – with an emphasis on collaboration, partnership, and inclusiveness.” The week concluded on Sunday 30th October on a high with an outdoor UN Family Fun Day in Seychelles. In support of the UN values of working and communicating together UN employees from the different agencies and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission were brought together for a day of team building and appreciation of the natural world that we are striving to preserve.

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26 August 2022

UNCT Retreat 2022

The UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles was joined by UN regional directors, a deputy director, heads of agencies with their senior technical staff, and development partners. This first in-person retreat since 2020 (due to the pandemic) embodied the spirit of the UN reform strengthening cooperation and identifying opportunities for collaborative, coherent action to further the two government’s development agendas and achieve the sustainable development goals. The main UNCT retreat was preceded by a two-day retreat for the PMT bringing together all programme managers across the agencies and RCO team. Mrs. Christine N. Umutoni, Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles welcomed the participants with a speech reflecting that crisis brings challenges and opportunities. COVID-19 has opened everyone’s eyes to the value of collaboration, coherence, and cooperation. She emphasized that the PMT is vital in supporting this inter-agency cohesiveness, as we all strive to support governments to jointly implement CFs and toward achieving our common vision of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030. Over the course of the PMT retreat presentations around the annual results reports, CCA process, joint programming, and regional initiatives provided a springboard for breakout sessions, which encouraged sharing lessons learned and lively discussions producing an action plan. Fostering Synergies for Sustainable Development was the focus of day 1 of the main UNCT retreat. The purpose of the retreat and the centrality of UN Coherence and Leaving No-One Behind to achieve the SDGs were examined, with remarks from both governments, and an opening from Seychelles’ Minister for Youth, Sports and Family. Development challenges and opportunities were discussed, including a review of UN achievements under the current SPF, key priorities, and opportunities for joint UN programmes, and looking forward to a new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. A unique aspect of this year’s retreat was the opportunity for strategic engagement within the context of the retreat on day 2 with the most senior authorities in Seychelles, beginning with H.E the President of the Republic. The UN Family, led by the UN RC paid a courtesy call on President Wavel Ramkalawan at the State House. The RC presented to His Excellency her delegation of 10 Heads of Agencies. Discussions centered around the need to move away from a siloed approach to development, the devastating impact of COVID-19 in highlighting the vulnerability of small island developing states, and the importance of economic diversification. The capacity of the UN to mobilize knowledge and expertise at national, regional, and global levels was emphasized, as well as its ability to facilitate collaboration and exchange between countries in the region. After the meeting with the President, the UN RC and heads of agencies joined UN technical staff for a rare opportunity to conduct a high-level policy dialogue with cabinet ministers and other senior government officials as well as heads of key institutions. Co-chaired by the UN RC and Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the high-level dialogue was organized as an open and constructive exchange, in order to reflect on the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and to identify priority areas of support and cooperation for the next UN-Seychelles Strategic Partnership Framework (SPF 2024-2028) in parallel with the country’s National Development Strategy (NDS). Both sides also agreed to work in synergy as a way forward, for the benefit and improvement of the socio-economic development of the country, post COVID-19 pandemic. Day Three focused on WHAT and HOW the UNCT needed to work together in providing Visionary Leadership that leads to results. The RC in her closing remarks shared how she was grateful for the joint efforts by participants for a successful retreat, as well as underlining the need to think outside of the box and perhaps remove the box totally. The UNCT retreat ended on a high with a cultural evening hosted by Minister Radegonde. UNCT members, government ministers, and other key stakeholders enjoyed the evening in a recently restored creole house and were treated to a culinary feast of Seychellois cuisine. The guests were also entertained by performers playing and dancing the traditional Moutya, which is on UNESCOs Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The retreat highlighted the commitment and tireless work of the UN family in Mauritius and Seychelles. Collaboration both inter-agency and with development partners is key. When different parts of the UN system act together, they can deliver greater results!

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11 August 2021

Computers helped me in life: I want the same for girls everywhere

The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. 17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). New technologies are always being developed. Anyone who boards that train goes further, faster — at least in terms of education and economics and opportunities. Alas, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reports a 17 percent gender gap in internet use globally. This gap is even wider in least-developed countries. The situation with jobs in ICT is also pronounced — as are the opportunities. In the coming years, there will be a large labour shortage in the ICT sector—there will be great opportunities. Girls and young women who learn coding, app development and computer science will be well-placed for careers in the ICT sector and other fields such as telemedicine, e-services, drones and robots, mobile money services, e-banking and more. For example, I use a mobile app to transfer funds to a grandmother in my village in Rwanda. My own experience with computers, even the most basic computer technology, is instructive. I was living in Rwanda back in 1999, and the world was facing Y2K scare that all computers would go haywire and everything would come to a standstill. Rwanda had come out of a war and it was clear that sooner or later without a master’s degree one might not grow in the job market. I went for my master’s programme when my eldest child was two and half years old and I was pregnant with my second. I had never seen a computer! People said these are things from America that work better than typewriters. When I arrived in America, during the first week in class I got an assignment in which I did well. I handed it to the professor hand-written and he looked at me, confused! Wondering if I came from Mars! I wondered if he wanted me to write with my feet. How else do people hand in their homework? I asked. He explained that I had to write using a computer. I felt hair get off my head! What is a computer? I asked, puzzled. I was directed to the computer lab for help — with one finger typing I finished my assignment. A lady gave me an old Macintosh that looked like it had a big belly. I bought a large laptop for use during my school time. When I went back home, I was among the few people with a laptop, a mobile phone — a huge Nokia — and an email address. I occasionally sent emails to my friends in the USA. I became a Presidential Advisor, then got a leadership position with MTN, the first mobile company in Rwanda, and was later appointed Ambassador to Belgium accredited to Holland, Luxemburg and the Vatican. I was among the few computer-literate women in town. I returned home with a second baby, a master’s degree and knowledge in technology! When I see young girls refusing to go to study because they don’t have a ride to school or did not go to the salon over the weekend — I cannot understand! My personal experience demonstrates that girls’ education and girls in ICT helps close the gender gap. The Organization for Women in Science in the Developing World is important, and the Mauritius chapter is doing well. The UN family has such useful programmes as “African Girls Can Code” by ITU and UN Women, the International Governance Forum by UNDESA and Halley Movement in Mauritius, and the UNDP Accelerator Labs in Mauritius and Seychelles, to mention a few. Through these and other programmes, the UN is helping more girls and women hop on the technology train and have equal access to opportunities in ICT. My message to girls and women is: Please seize every opportunity!

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Press Release

15 June 2022

First Multi-Sector Policy Dialogue between the Government of Seychelles and the United Nations Country Team

The first Multi-Sector Policy Dialogue between the Government of Seychelles and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), was held on 19 May 2022. The Dialogue was organized as an open and constructive exchange between Seychelles’ Ministers and other representatives from both the Government and the UN, in order to reflect on the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and to identify priority areas of support and cooperation for the next UN-Seychelles Strategic Partnership Framework (SPF 2024-2028) in parallel with the country’s National Development Strategy (NDS). The UN Resident Coordinator expressed the commitment of the United Nations through collective engagement to contribute to Seychelles development aspirations, moving from recovery to sustainable development, with a focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The two co-chairs recognised the excellent collaboration that exists between Seychelles and the United Nations, which extends over a broad scope of areas. The delegates exchanged experiences and best practices on possible cooperation on a number of issues of common interest, including the priority areas outlined for the next NDS, namely Transformative Economy, Environment Sustainability, Climate Change, Human Rights, Law and Order, Health, Social Affairs, Education and Culture. Minister Radegonde and the UNRC Umutoni also acknowledged the role that the United Nations can play in advocating for Seychelles’ priorities and vulnerabilities as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). Both sides also agreed to work in synergy as a way forward, for the benefit and improvement of the socio-economic development of the country, post COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Radegonde took the opportunity to reiterate the appreciation of the Government for the continued support of the United Nations Agencies towards Seychelles. The High-Level Policy Dialogue represents one of the key outcomes of the UNCT Annual Retreat being held in Seychelles from 18 to 20 May 2022.

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Press Release

24 May 2022

President Ramkalawan receives United Nations Resident Coordinator

The Resident Coordinator presented to His Excellency her delegation of 10 Heads of Agencies who are in Seychelles to attend the annual United Nations Country Team held in Mahe. The purpose of the strategic retreat is to review work done so far and prepare for the future through a high-level policy dialogue with government. The theme of the UNCT retreat is “let’s walk together beyond recovery to long term development”. President Ramkalawan extended a warm welcome to the Resident Coordinator and her delegation whilst conveying appreciation of the long-standing strategic partnership between the United Nations and Seychelles and the significant role it played in supporting the country through the COVID-19 crisis. The President also emphasized the importance of moving away from the siloed approach to development and instead working in synergy to ensure efficient utilization of resources for socio-economic recovery. The UN team congratulated the President on a successful election and for the peaceful transfer of power, and Seychelles’ effective response to the COVID crisis. Ms. Christine N. Umutoni also thanked the President for the opportunity to meet with him to discuss national development priorities. She highlighted the timeliness of the meeting as the UN initiates the process for a new cooperation framework with Seychelles. Speaking at the request of the Resident Coordinator on behalf of the UN, the regional director for UNESCO, recognized the devastating impact of COVID-19 in highlighting the vulnerability of small island developing states. He identified the importance of economic diversification and emphasized the UN’s capacity to mobilize knowledge and expertise at national, regional and global levels, and to facilitate collaboration and exchange between countries in the region. Also present was the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde. Members of the UN agencies included: Mr. Hubert Gijzen UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa and Representative, Ms. Zebib Kavuma, UN Women Deputy Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Mr. Frank Turyatunga, UNEP Acting Director and Regional Representative Africa Office, Ms. Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, Mr. Charles Mbuli Boliko, FAO Representative for Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros, Mr. Coffi Agossou, ILO, Country Office Director for Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles, Mr. Jude Padayachy, UNAIDS Country Director for Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles, Mr. Koffi Kouame, UNFPA Representative for Madagascar and Country Director for Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles, Dr. Rex Mpanzanje, WHO Representative for Seychelles, Ms. Celine Lemmel, IOM Head of Mission for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms. Janee Connery Communication and Advocacy Officer at RCO.

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Press Release

06 October 2021

Training to Build Resilience for Shaping a Better Future: UNITAR Improves Climate Change Preparedness for COP26

In November, the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will convene in Glasgow. In light of this, UNITAR, the UN Resident Coordinator's Office for Mauritius and Seychelles, the Group of 77, and China implemented a series of e-Workshops on Climate Change Diplomacy to support the educational development of delegates and representatives. These training sessions aimed to build the capacities of government officers on climate change negotiations and provide them with essential knowledge for the upcoming COP26. The design of the workshops enabled high-level officials to extensively develop their knowledge, competency, and train their negotiation skills. To lead the discussion on the challenges of COP26, UNITAR selected Mr. Marcelo Rocha, an agronomist, land use expert, and lead coordinating author at the IPCC, and Ms. Ana Kleymeyer, former Senior Advisor to the Argentinian Secretary of the Environment. The trainers highlighted the paramount agreements in their history, as well as the terminologies and concepts of climate finance that are beneficial to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), such as Mauritius and Seychelles, in addition to providing background information on the history of COP and UNFCCC. During the workshops, participants discussed the concerns raised at COP25 and the transition from one conference to another. The workshops provided officials of Mauritius and Seychelles with the appropriate background knowledge on the International Climate Change Policy Framework, the causes and impacts of climate change, and key negotiation skills. Through a tailor-made simulation exercise, participants had the opportunity to build their resilience for formal and informal negotiations in COP processes. The simulation exercise supported officials in developing their positions and interests as well as in expanding their capacity-building skills. The Online Climate Change Diplomacy Training for G77 and China Chairmanship Team was the final event in the series. It prepared high-level diplomats to the technical, procedural, and political knowledge required in chairing roles. Participants were trained to strengthen and expand their interpersonal skills and stakeholder engagement, capacities that will prove vital to achieving the conference objectives. The UNITAR e-Workshops on Climate Change Diplomacy are an opportunity for delegates and representatives to get a better appreciation of what to expect from COP26 while sharing best practices with distinguished colleagues. Bringing together experts and professionals in one virtual environment has allowed a huge number of diplomats from many countries to enhance climate change awareness and to build resilience in anticipation of the critical stakes that surround the upcoming COP26.

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Press Release

11 September 2021

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi’s message on World Refugee Day - 20 June 2021

Two days ago, we announced that an unprecedented number of people have been forced to flee their homes. More than 82.4 million men, women and children have had their worlds turned upside down by war, violence and persecution. While the rest of us spent much of the last year at home to stay safe, they had to run from their homes just to stay alive. And as world leaders are seemingly unable or unwilling to make peace, more and more displaced people pay the price. In the past three years alone, some one million children were born into a life of exile. What will their futures hold? What opportunities will they have to achieve their potential? Today, World Refugee Day, should serve as a stark reminder to politicians of the need to do more to prevent and resolve conflict and crises. And of the imperative to protect people irrespective of their race, nationality, beliefs or other characteristics. Of the need to speak out and fight injustice, instead of fueling division and fomenting hate. To resolve to find pragmatic and lasting solutions to crises instead of blaming others or vilifying victims. Simply put, leaders need to step up and work together to solve today’s global challenges. Yet World Refugee Day is also an opportunity to celebrate the fortitude of refugees. Those who have been stripped of everything and yet carry on, often bearing the visible and invisible wounds of war, persecution, and the anxiety of exile. Over the past several months, a time dominated by the pandemic, we have seen that refugees – while needing, deserving, and having the right to international protection, safety, and support – also give back to each other and to their host communities. When given the chance, they have run to the front lines of the COVID-19 response as doctors, nurses, cleaners, aid workers, care givers, shopkeepers, educators, and many other roles, providing essential services as we collectively battled the virus. We have seen them and their hosts selflessly share meagre resources and help lift those in the greatest of need. Next month, we will see them in another arena demonstrating what can be achieved if included in society and given the same opportunities as the rest of us: refugee athletes will approach the starting line as they compete with the world’s best in the Tokyo Olympics. So on World Refugee Day, as we pause to express solidarity with refugees in our communities and around the world, I hope each of us will also acknowledge and admire the drive, determination, and contributions made by people forced to flee. My colleagues and I have the privilege of witnessing their tenacity and achievement every day, which - especially today – should be a source of inspiration for everyone, everywhere.

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