2 December, 2023 Dubai, UAE: On the margins of COP28, President Wavel Ramkalawan yesterday participated in a number of high-level events and discussions. The presence of the Seychelles Head of State at COP28 is also an opportunity for him to hold relevant talks with various world leaders and key personalities in the interest of Seychelles.

First, the President delivered a statement before the COP28 Climate Change, G77 plus China Leaders' Summit general debate segment, chaired by the President the Republic of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel.

In his capacity as chair of the African Island States Climate Commission (AISCC), President Ramkalawan also delivered a statement at the African Union (AU) High-Level side event on Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System, held at the African Pavilion, Expo City in Dubai. During this segment, the President further reiterated the need for the African continent to unite and urged major emitters to develop more ambitious strategies and plans to ensure that the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is achieved. 

“As the President of the African Island States Climate Commission (AISCC), I would like to draw attention, once again, to the adverse impacts of the climate crisis on all African coastal nations. This crisis has far-reaching consequences on the sustainability of our island nations. Africa, despite being one of the least contributors to climate change, bears a disproportionate burden of its effects. Therefore, it is crucial to urge major emitters to develop more ambitious strategies and plans to ensure that the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is achieved. We must keep 1.5 degrees alive at this COP” said President Ramkalawan. 

The President also paid a visit to the Seychelles Pavilion being showcased as part of COP28 at Expo City in Dubai. During his tour he had the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the Seychellois participating in the conference.

During the course of the day President Ramkalawan also had the opportunity to interact with various world leaders and personalities attending the various COP28 events in Dubai. In the evening he joined leaders of the UAE in the celebration of the UAE’s 52nd National Day celebrations.