On 24 October 2023, the Government of Seychelles represented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs&Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde and the United Nations Country Team for Seychelles led by the Resident Coordinator for Mauritius&Seychelles, Ms. Lisa Simrique Singh signed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2024-2028 (UNSDCF) at L’Escale Marina, Resort and Spa.
Ministers, representatives from other governmental bodies, the United Nations, the diplomatic corps, private sector, academia and civil society gathered to witness this pivotal moment in the partnership between the UN System and the Government of Seychelles. With less than seven years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the new Cooperation Framework sets out the collective response of the United Nations to support Seychelles to address national priorities and create a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future around the themes of People, Planet and Prosperity.
Both Minister Radegonde and UN Resident Coordinator recognized that the agreement reflects a continuation of the longstanding and trusted partnership between the United Nations and the Government and people of Seychelles.
In her opening remarks Ms. Singh explained the symbolic importance of the chosen signing day being UN Day, which is marked globally to reaffirm the purpose and principles of the UN Charter. The celebration is also an opportunity she stated “…to amplify the United Nations’ ambition to deliver for the people and planet and to get the world back on track by turbocharging action on the Sustainable Development Goals. This of course is the foundation for our new Cooperation Framework with Seychelles.”
The Minister highlighted that “as a Small Island Developing State, we recognise the critical importance of sustainable development in ensuring the well-being of our people and the preservation of our unique environment. We understand that our actions today will shape the world we leave behind for future generations. Therefore, we are fully committed to the principles and objectives outlined in the UNSDCF”.
Minister Radegonde added that “the UNSDCF is not merely a document or a set of goals; it is a call to action. It requires collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment from all stakeholders. Seychelles recognises that we cannot achieve sustainable development in isolation. We must forge strong partnerships with the United Nations, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector”.
Within this context the Minister for Youth, Sports and Family, Mrs. Marie Celine Zialor and the UN Resident Coordinator launched the inaugural United Nations Youth Photo Competition: “Focus on the Future We Want”. The competition aims to show young people that they have a voice and can take action to find solutions to issues in society and boost progress on the sustainable development goals. The four themes “3Rs – Reduce, Reuse&Recycle; food security; biodiversity&nature; and digital transformation connecting people are being sponsored by three companies: MCB Seychelles, Cable and Wireless and Airtel.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism – Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.