President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, officiated as Guest of Honour at the inauguration of the 20th Cohort of the Seychelles National Youth Assembly (SNYA), held Saturday morning at the Eden Blue Hotel.
The event marked a milestone in youth civic engagement, with the formal swearing-in of newly elected youth parliamentarians representing secondary schools and professional institutions across the country. The ceremony also honoured the 19th Cohort, celebrating their term of service with a formal certificate presentation.
In his welcoming address, Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC), Mr. Albert Duncan, extended warm congratulations to the incoming cohort. He expressed deep appreciation for the dedication and exemplary conduct of the outgoing assembly, and challenged the new members to become catalysts for positive change and active contributors to national development.
Delivering a motivating keynote, Minister for Youth, Sports and Family, Mrs. Marie-Céline Zialor, urged the youth to fully embrace their evolving role as national leaders. She emphasized the importance of democratic participation and commended parents for their ongoing support in fostering civic responsibility among the country’s youth.
President Ramkalawan, in his address, paid tribute to the service and legacy of the outgoing members, reaffirming his government’s commitment to empowering youth. He encouraged the newly elected assembly to remain engaged in national discourse and to contribute constructively to Seychelles' democratic evolution. The President further advised members to ensure that motions tabled within the assembly adhere to legal frameworks, urging a spirit of objectivity and fairness in all deliberations.
A highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic handover of the Speaker’s gavel from outgoing Speaker, Young Honourable Stanio Arissol, to the newly elected Speaker, Young Honourable Liam D’unienville — an emblem of continuity and democratic leadership. Additionally, a tablet was presented to the new Honourable Speaker, symbolizing innovation and wisdom in an increasingly tech-driven society.
Also in attendance were the Minister for Education, Dr. Justin Valentin; Principal Secretary for Youth and Sports, Mr. Ralph Jean-Louis; Member of the National Assembly, Hon. Philipe Arissol; CEO of the National Council for Children, Mrs. Yasmin Umarji; Chief of the Resource Mobilisation Bureau, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family, Mr. Kevin Vidot; members of the SNYC Secretariat; and invited guests.