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.