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The Vice-President, Mr. Sebastien Pillay represented the President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie at the CAHOSCC meeting yesterday, where he issued a clarion call for African nations to transition from "statements of intent" to tangible, results-oriented action.

Speaking in Seychelles’ capacity as Chair of the African Island States Climate Commission (AISCC), the Vice-President warned that current global efforts remain insufficient to protect vulnerable nations from the escalating threats of rising sea levels and flooding.

Vice President Pillay showcased Seychelles’ pioneering role in climate finance, specifically its status as the first country to successfully implement a debt-for-nature swap in support of the blue economy. He encouraged fellow African Member States to pursue similar concrete initiatives to bolster sustainable development across the continent.

To ensure commitments are translated into measurable impact, the Vice-President emphasized two critical pillars for African climate strategy:

•        Enhanced National Budgeting: Prioritizing climate resilience within domestic fiscal frameworks.
•        Resource Mobilization: Strengthening the reliance on domestic funding to secure Africa’s environmental future.

The meeting was chaired by His Excellency William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya. CAHOSCC remains the primary body responsible for spearheading the African Common Position on Climate Change, ensuring the continent speaks with a unified voice in global negotiations. The AISCC continues to serve as the specialized forum for African island nations to collaborate on unique environmental challenges and resource security.