Seychelles has big ideas, says UN chief

Seychelles has “big ideas” having shown leadership on climate action, environmental protection and the fight against maritime crime, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said.

Mr Ban was speaking at State house on Saturday night following a tête-à-tête and bilateral meetings with President James Michel. The evening ended with a reception in honour of Mr Ban, who was accompanied by his spouse, Ban Soon-taek.

The bilateral meeting was attended by Vice-President Danny Faure, government ministers and other senior officials from the United Nations delegation.

As he welcomed Mr Ban and his delegation to Seychelles, President Michel expressed his appreciation for the UN secretary general’s inspiring leadership in building peace, development and prosperity in the world.

“We are deeply thankful for your valued and consistent support to the position of Small Island States (Sids) like Seychelles. Such support has transformed our development perspectives… and has given us a powerful voice in the international scene,” said President Michel.

The discussions centered on climate change, democracy, development goals, transnational crimes, sustainable use and conservation of oceanic resources as well as the fights against terrorism, corruption and piracy in the world.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon congratulated President Michel on his re-election and commended his commitment to democracy and democratic values.

He said Seychelles has made a great impact in the international arena in championing the cause of Sids and the fight against climate change.

“Mr Ban Ki-moon and myself have agreed on the seriousness and urgency of the threat posed by climate change and on the need for a rapid implementation of the Paris Agreement by all parties concerned. I have reaffirmed Seychelles’ continued engagement and commitment in the implementation of the landmark 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. In this regard, I have outlined the actions that Seychelles is already taking on climate change in the spirit of the Samoa Pathway, in promoting the Blue Economy concept, as well as the use of climate forecasting services to boost development… I have also reiterated to Mr Ban Ki-moon Seychelles’ appreciation for his valued support to our national and regional efforts in combating transnational crimes, like piracy and drug trafficking, and in promoting maritime security across the Indian Ocean and in Africa,” said President Michel.

Mr Michel also thanked Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for his invaluable contributions to the UN, in particular in spearheading real action on climate change and sustainable development, ushering the world in a new era of global partnership and solidarity.

The President also expressed his appreciation to Mr Ban for his tireless work to make the United Nations more connected to the youth.

“I share his vision calling on the youth of the world to rise to the challenges of their generation and to join forces with the UN for a better world,’ said Mr Michel who added that this visit and his extremely fruitful discussions with the secretary general have reinforced Seychelles’ relationship and partnership with the United Nations and its agencies to a new level.

“We have recognised their continued valued support in the political and socio-economic development of Seychelles. I have expressed our commitment to continue working closely together in order to build a world of peace, development and human rights for all,” added President Michel.

As for Mr Ban, he said the United Nations stands ready to work with Seychelles for a better future on a cleaner planet, and that the country is in an excellent position to build on its record of protecting the environment, creating sustainable livelihoods and increasing the use of renewable energy.

“I have just held fruitful meetings with His Excellency President James Alix Michel and his cabinet members. …. I am confident that the leadership will continue to build on Seychelles’ record as a strong and vibrant democracy. These islands are famous for their natural beauty. Earlier this afternoon (Saturday afternoon), I visited the breathtaking Vallée de Mai nature reserve. I think that this is a common asset for the whole humanity and thank you for preserving all this very valuable treasure of humanity. I am even more impressed by the Seychelles’ sense of responsibility in our world. The problems we face as a planet – climate change, poverty and insecurity – will only be solved through a global, multilateral response. I thank the government and people of the Seychelles for their leadership on these issues, and particularly for your early ratification of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. You are one of the 16 countries who have ratified at such an early stage. I sincerely hope that you will exercise your political leadership to encourage many other countries to follow suit. You and your peers have shown that small islands have big ideas and big political will,” said Mr Ban.

He went on to say that the UN also appreciates Seychelles' leadership on the problem of piracy as chair of the Contact Group on piracy off the coast of Somalia – and noted that he was encouraged that since 2013, no commercial shipping vessels have been kidnapped by pirates – common solidarity and commitment on tackling transnational crime in the region, while respecting international norms and human rights.

“I applaud Seychelles for working with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to ensure that suspects are given fair and efficient trials,” said Mr Ban.

Recalling that the Seychelles are highly vulnerable to storm surges, as had been made clear by the recent devastating effects of cycloneFantala, the secretary-general noted that preventing and preparing for natural disasters in partnership with local and national governments will be one focus of the World Humanitarian Summit he will convene in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 23-24.

“I hope the Seychelles will bring its expertise to the table,” he said.

Mr Ban also noted that this is the first year of implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, the universal, integrated and transformative agenda to end poverty and build a more sustainable world on a healthy planet over the next 15 years.

“The Seychelles is in an excellent position to build on its record of protecting the environment, creating sustainable livelihoods and increasing the use of renewable energy. The United Nations stands ready to work with you for a better future on a cleaner planet,” concluded the secretary-general.

President James Michel and Secretary General Ban Ki-moon were then joined by dignitaries and guests for a reception in honour of Mr Ban.

Sonam Tsultrim, a youth who took part in an international competition for the International Year of SIDS in 2014, by composing a letter to Mr Ban Ki-moon about the need to preserve islands and their environment, read out her letter to him, which was warmly applauded by the secretary general.

Popular Seychellois singer and songwriter Joe Samy and a school choir also performed two songs for the guests. The national cultural troupe also presented a series of traditional dances for the United Nations delegation.

Mr Ban is the first sitting UN secretary general to visit Seychelles and his visit was a preparation to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Seychelles’ existence as a sovereign state and as membership of the United Nations.

His visit marked the first of a serving United Nations Secretary General to Seychelles.

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