New York, 21 September 2017 - Achieving peace and a decent life for everyone cannot be realised without democracy and a concerted demonstration of will, President Danny Faure told world leaders at the United Nations in New York yesterday.

This was the lesson Seychelles was now living, the President said, referring to the theme of this year’s UN General Assembly (UNGA) General Debate, “Focusing on people: striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet”.

“This calls for good governance, transparency and accountability which are the foundation for the prosperity and security of a nation,” he told the annual gathering of heads of state and government from around the world. “Indeed, they put the rights and aspirations of the people at the centre of development where prosperity is shared by all.”

Informing the UNGA of current political events in Seychelles where a President from one party is working in cohabitation with a parliament dominated by the opposition, Mr Faure said, “We must create the necessary space within society where diverging views and ideas can flourish and be respected. Doing so helps promote unity, tolerance and respect in the population.”

The cohabitation was working well, President Faure said. “There is a new working environment; one in which there is dialogue, and one where we consult. And most importantly, one based on mutual respect,” he added.

“We are reshaping Government, making it more inclusive and we are empowering our citizens, especially our youth, giving them equal opportunities to play important roles in the development of our country and the growth of our economy. Seychelles was improving the environment for free media to play a vital role in nation-building.

“We are writing a new chapter in Seychelles; where we work together to overcome our challenges and show respect for all opinions in the interest of a Seychelles that unites all of us despite our differences.

“This openness and policy of discourse are at the core of my nation’s willingness to secure a bold future for our people.”

Small island developing states such Seychelles were the moral barometers for what is right. “We do not shy from accepting and learning from others’ experiences, but in this regard, we also have valuable lessons to share with others.”

The path Seychelles was charting could serve as an example for all for the sake of tolerance and a globally lasting peace.

For there to be peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet, it was not enough just to throw more resources into implementing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

“All these processes should be democratically governed, underpinned by transparency and accountability along the way, and in harmony with, and with respect for the natural environment in which we live,” President Faure said.