“As the future stewards of the Earth, young people bring invaluable perspectives, innovative ideas, and the passion needed to drive meaningful change” says President Ramkalawan 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 14th January 2025: The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan, attended the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025 and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Award Ceremony this morning. The high-profile events brought together various global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

President Ramkalawan also had to honour to deliver the Keynote address at the ‘Youth 4 Sustainability’ (Y4S) Forum which is a global initiative regrouping youths from around the globe, focused on developing sustainable leaders of tomorrow. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Y4S is a Masdar initiative which invests in and actively supports the development of young people.

During his remarks, the President reiterated Seychelles’ unwavering commitment to combating climate change, promoting renewable energy, and championing sustainability efforts. He highlighted the unique vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to climate change and emphasized the role everyone must play as well as the critical importance of international collaboration in addressing these challenges.

“Climate change is the defining crisis of our time, posing unprecedented challenges to this generation. For Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like the Seychelles, the impacts are especially acute, threatening our sustainability and way of life. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the degradation of vital ecosystems place us at the forefront of this global crisis. Seychelles firmly acknowledges that climate change affects every aspect of society, from our environment and economy to our cultural heritage and social structures.

Addressing this crisis requires the involvement of everyone, particularly the youth, who will inherit this planet. As the future stewards of the Earth, young people bring invaluable perspectives, innovative ideas, and the passion needed to drive meaningful change. Ensuring that your voices are heard loud and clear is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity. Your perspectives must be actively included and reflected across all areas of the climate and sustainability agenda” said President Ramkalawan.

In his address, the President also underscored the vital role of the youth in driving sustainable development and emphasized the need for innovative thinking and bold actions to achieve a more sustainable planet.

“Seychelles is proud to stand as a beacon of environmental stewardship,” President Ramkalawan stated. “I urge the youth to continue championing sustainability and inspiring change within their communities. The future of our planet depends on your vision and action.”

The Forum was also an opportunity for the Head of State to engage directly with the young sustainability leaders present from around the world. 

The President's participation in ADSW 2025 reflects Seychelles' continuous leadership and dedication to global sustainability efforts. His engagements underscore the nation's proactive role in addressing pressing environmental challenges while fostering partnerships that promote sustainable growth and resilience.

During his tour of the ADSW 2025 Exhibition area, President Ramkalawan got a chance to meet other members from the Seychelles delegation from various departments currently in Abu Dhabi attending the summit.