United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has congratulated Seychelles for its achievements in various sectors namely preserving its environment, for initiatives to seek innovative sources of funding for climate adaptation.

He has also called for Seychelles’ support in several issues affecting the world which the UN is grappling with.

Mr Ban, the eighth UN secretary general and the first to visit Seychelles, was speaking during an extraordinary session of the National Assembly yesterday, the last day of his two-day official visit here.

Among the guests present to listen to Mr Ban were members of the National Youth Assembly.

The Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Herminie thanked Mr Ban for making time to address members of the smallest assembly in Africa on this auspicious and historic moment in our history.

“Mersi bokou pour sa lenvitasyon tre salere. I am particularly proud to be here as you celebrate your 40th anniversary as a sovereign nation and as a member state of the United Nations,” Mr Ban said.

Mr Ban reminded the House that the “United Nations stood together with you during the turbulent first years of your nationhood.”

He commended Seychelles for the beauty of its environment.

“Seychelles is recognised all over the world for its natural beauty which I have been lucky enough to enjoy during this visit,” Mr Ban said.

Commenting on his visit to the Vallée de Mai, Mr Ban said “I understood why this nature reserve which is a global resource for biodiversity is described as the heart and soul of Seychelles.”

“Not only the Vallée de Mai but your whole country is an inspiring example of sustainable development which has succeeded in steadily raising the standard of living. Your impressive record on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) shows that it is possible to thrive economically while including health care, education, caring for the most vulnerable and also protecting the environment. I also commend this Assembly’s strong record on democracy, demonstrated most recently by the decision to limit presidential terms and I congratulate you on this unanimous amendment of you Constitution which can serve as an example for the region,” he said.

Mr Ban also commented on the number of women representatives in the Assembly.

“The proportion of women in this parliament is the fifth highest in the world and Seychelles is ranked second for gender equality on the African continent. Women are being appointed in senior roles like the chief justice, governor of the Central Bank… I urge you to continue with this progress,” he said.

Addressing the young people who had come to listen to his address Mr Ban said “the United Nations sees young people not as leaders of tomorrow by as leaders of today. We are working with young men and women around the world on initiatives to bring peace, create jobs, and to fight violent extremism. As you look to the future I urge you to lift your eyes above the immediate horizons and become global citizens demonstrating your allegiance not only to your immediate communities but to the wider world.”

He stressed on the fact that in today’s world we are interconnected and that problems and challenges are never confined to one country or one region but that insecurities are spreading, as well as the persistence of massive inequalities, among people and nations. Too many people in too many places are excluded because of their race, religion, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity and other differences,” he added.

Violent extremism, criminal networks are problems which Mr Ban said require cooperation, coordination and a global response, adding that the UN is a forum where solutions are sought. In this regard, he has called on Seychelles for its support and commitment.

He reminded that on April 22, Mother Earth’s Day, the UN broke the record for the highest number of countries which signed any treaty, convention or agreement in one day. One hundred and seventy-seven (177) countries have signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and Seychelles being one of them was the 16thcountry to ratify the agreement. Mr Ban congratulated and thanked Seychelles for this leading role and urged everyone with influence to persuade other governments to do the same as soon as possible.

“55 countries representing 55% of the total global green house emissions need to join for the agreement to come into force. I encourage you to maintain political oversight so that the spirit of global cooperation continues as we begin to implement the Paris Agreement on Climate Change,” Mr Ban called on Seychelles.

“We need global procedures and rules to keep global temperatures increase well below 2°C and I am grateful for the initiatives and strong commitment of members of the Alliance of Small Island developing States (AOSIS) to bring the issue to the global agenda. Seychelles has made great progress towards a sustainable and climate resilient future. Your environmental legislation to ensure sustainable tourism and fishing is among the strongest in the world,” Mr Ban said.

He touched on Seychelles’ protected land and marine area and spoke about Seychelles’ initiatives to find innovative sources of funding for climate adaptation, including the debt swap with Paris Club,” he stressed.

Mr Ban, who made climate change his top priority when he came into office in 2007, said he has realised that small states have big ideas.

“Your experience and insights have been invaluable. Small states like Seychelles have served as a magnifying lens for many of the climate and development issues that all nations must face. When you are united, small states can change the world. I congratulate you on your achievements and urge you to build on your leadership role. The UN is committed to work with you every step of the way,” he ensured.

Mr Ban spoke about the UN’s 17 SDGs noting that all sectors of society must be involved in their successful implementation. Drawing particular attention to goal 14 which refers to the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and which carries particular resonance for Seychelles, Mr Ban welcomed the role of our parliamentarians to start engagement on the SDGs more than a year ago. He congratulated Seychelles for its blue economy initiative which he said is drawing world attention. He assured of the UN’s continued support as Seychelles builds on the progress already made.

With regard to the global migrant crisis, Mr Ban announced that on September 19 the UN will hold a summit meeting to address the issue and reiterate the need for shared global responsibilities. On May 23, the UN will convene the first world humanitarian summit meeting in Turkey where world leaders will make commitment to uphold  humanitarian norms to protect civilians in conflict and improve global response to the 125 million people who need humanitarian aid.

“I count on Seychelles to engage on these important events,” Mr Ban said.

Forrás: www.nation.sc