16 January 2025 | State House.
Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
And all the inspiring Youth Leaders
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.
Recognizing the critical role of education, in Seychelles we are steadily working to integrate climate change in our school curriculum in all of its aspects. This will ensure that our youth begin to understand the complexities of climate change from an early age.
In schools, initiatives like the “Eco-Warriors” programme empower students to become future environmental ambassadors. Our eco warriors are not just learning about climate change and sustainable development, they are becoming the strong, determined voices that remind present generations and leaders of the responsibility we bear. These young leaders promote sustainable practices both within their schools and in their local communities. They challenge us to reflect on the kind of planet they want to inherit, a planet shaped by the decisions we make today. Their passion and resolve are a powerful call to action, reminding us that every choice, every policy, and every step we take will define the future they deserve.
Encouragingly, more young people are pursuing environmental and climate related studies at the university level. Locally, the University of Seychelles has developed specialized environmental courses to meet the growing demands.
The university’s environmental department has a vision to produce knowledgeable and skilled graduates who are passionate about addressing environmental challenges in Seychelles, the region, and beyond. It also aims to provide sound scientific research to support the conservation and sustainable management of marine, coastal, and terrestrial resources.
To achieve this, the University collaborates closely with relevant partners, enabling both staff and students to engage in multidisciplinary and crosscutting research projects. These initiatives not only ensure high-quality research outputs but also contribute significantly to capacity building and the development of expertise within Seychelles that will be made available to all.
My administration recognizes that achieving sustainability requires collective action and cannot be accomplished alone. As such, it has taken deliberate steps to create an enabling environment that empowers and support youth-led non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These organizations play a crucial role in complementing national efforts by driving grassroots initiatives, promoting environmental awareness, and engaging communities in sustainable practices.
One such organization is Parley Seychelles, that engage in environmental education and community activities, including beach clean ups that bring together students and other members of society. It also involves youth in both the planning and execution of cleanup missions. The NGO has collaborated with the National Youth Assembly, the Seychelles Department of Environmental Education and the Ministry of Education to inspire the youth of Seychelles to take action and help protect Seychelles’ blue ocean home.
Other long standing NGOs like Sustainability for Seychelles (S4S) seeks to promote sustainable “green” living in Seychelles in collaboration with government, other NGOs and private sector. They were formed by a group of people who are committed to the idea of sustainability by implanting many projects ranging from water, energy and climate change.
Through initiative like the Alliance of Small Island States Fellowship program, the next generation of leaders and environmental experts are being equipped with invaluable skills through real world UN experiences. Seychelles has greatly benefited from such programmes by having four graduated fellows who are actively involved in climate change spectrum both at local and international levels.
We extend our gratitude to all partners involved in this vital initiative. We look forward to seeing other such initiatives continue, fostering a new wave of empowered climate advocates.
As an island state in the middle of the ocean, Seychelles is also committed to encouraging young professionals to engage on international platforms. For example, we actively include young professionals not only as attendees but also as participants in global climate negotiations like the Conference of Parties (COP).
Seychelles is punching well above its weight. Young people are not just participants in the sustainable movement, but are a driving force. Their energy, innovation, and commitment are helping to reshape the way we think about our planet and future.
It’s only through an inclusive approach that empowers youth that we hope to create a sustainable and resilient future for all. Let us leave no one behind. Our youth matter and your voices have to be heard. You will inherit this planet after today’s leaders are gone. I give you my encouragement and commitment in the tasks ahead.
I thank you.
