2025 UN Country Annual Results Report Seychelles

Seychelles stands out in Africa as the continent’s top ranked country on the Human Development Index, the only high-income nation in the region, and a recognized leader in ocean governance. Yet in 2025, as the United Nations marked its 80th anniversary, the complex realities facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) remained as pressing as ever: intensifying climate risks, global economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and the persistent need to ensure that development benefits reach all people.

For Seychelles, these global dynamics intersect with national priorities – from protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening the blue economy to ensuring inclusive social services and preparing institutions for a digital and climate affected future. In October 2025, a new government took office with an ambitious reform agenda centred on economic sovereignty, digital transformation, youth empowerment and strengthened governance. Responding to these challenges and opportunities requires not only national leadership but also effective international cooperation. For more than four decades, the UN has been a trusted partner to Seychelles. In 2025, this partnership continued under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2024–2028, supporting national efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals while strengthening resilience and inclusion across society.
 

Under the People pillar, the UN worked closely with national institutions to strengthen health systems, expand education and reinforce human rights protections. Seychelles achieved measles and rubella elimination certification with UN technical assistance, becoming one of only three countries in sub-Saharan Africa to reach this milestone. The African SIDS pooled procurement mechanism, which reduced the cost of essential medicines through regional cooperation, received the 2025 SIDS Partnership Award. A first-ever national demographic dividend profile, produced jointly with the UN, revealed a structural life-cycle deficit equivalent to 25.2 per cent of GDP, providing the evidence base for long-term fiscal planning. In education, 71 social workers and child protection staff were trained to deliver comprehensive sexuality education, with agreement reached to integrate it into the national curriculum from 2026.

Under the Prosperity pillar, the UN partnered with government and the private sector to strengthen trade capacity and connect enterprises to regional markets. Drawing on UN expertise, Seychelles produced its first step-by-step guide for trade in goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Ten women-led small and medium-sized enterprises received targeted grants through the Xport Accelerator Programme, and five participated in an Africa Business Immersion in Johannesburg. Systems thinking and strategic foresight were institutionalised in government planning, with Seychelles’ experience elevated as a global reference case.

Under the Planet pillar, the UN advanced Seychelles’ leadership as an ocean state at the frontline of climate change. In a joint effort with Nature Seychelles and the UN, more than 50,000 corals were cultivated and outplanted, reaching a five year target and contributing to reef ecosystem recovery. The country adopted a national roadmap for the Early Warnings for All initiative, with four UN agencies working together to strengthen climate, health and disaster preparedness. Seychelles also advanced its third Nationally Determined Contribution, shifting from a compliance-driven process to a more strategic and investment-ready approach to climate planning.

Across all pillars, Leaving No One Behind remained central. National consultations for the 2025 Voluntary National Review were conducted in Seychellois Creole and extended to outer island communities, youth groups, persons with disabilities and civil society. A formal Youth Engagement Group was established, and the UN Country Team achieved gender parity in staffing in Seychelles. 

These achievements were made possible through strong national ownership and close collaboration with the Government of Seychelles, civil society, development partners, academia and the private sector. The role of the UN is clear: to support national leadership by convening partners, providing global knowledge and technical expertise, and strengthening the policy and institutional systems that underpin sustainable development. Equally important is how these results were delivered. In line with the reform of the UN development system and the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review, the United Nations Country Team worked more and better together, through coordinated Results Groups, shared analysis and integrated delivery. This collective approach, in line with UN 2.0, strengthened coherence and ensured that the UN responded effectively to national priorities.

As Seychelles continues its efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda, this Annual Results Report reflects both the progress achieved in 2025 and the opportunities that lie ahead. With sustained commitment to resilience, innovation and inclusion, Seychelles is well positioned to turn global challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.

On behalf of the United Nations Country Team, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Government of Seychelles and all our partners for their leadership, collaboration and trust. Together, we remain committed to advancing a sustainable future for Seychelles—one that safeguards its people, protects its ocean environment and ensures that no one is left behind.

Lisa Simrique Singh
United Nations Resident Coordinator
Mauritius and Seychelles