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The Sustainable Development Goals in Mauritius
The Sustainable Development Goals in Mauritius are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Mauritius:
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17 September 2024
Mauritius Gears Up for the Summit of the Future
World leaders are coming together this September at the United Nations (UN) in New York for a once in a lifetime occasion to rethink multilateralism to address the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. This Summit of the Future will result in an inter-governmentally agreed Pact for the Future to turbocharge global cooperation to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Technical Discussion on the Pact for the FutureTo localize global conversations, the UN in Mauritius and Seychelles in partnership with the Government of Mauritius and other key stakeholders came together to hold a “Technical Discussion on the Pact for the Future”. This pivotal moment in Mauritius' preparatory process towards on the Summit of the Future, was held on 22 July 2024, at the Caudan Arts Centre in Port Louis. A joint initiative between the Government of Mauritius and the UN, the discussion brought together approximately 70 participants from government, private sector, civil society organizations, and UN agencies. The Technical Discussion centered around three primary objectives:Raising awareness about the Summit of the Future's Pact for the Future chaptersEnsuring informed participation at the September SummitFostering continued dialogue and cooperation between the Government of Mauritius and UN agencies in the PACT areas post-Summit. During the discussions, participants delved into key action areas outlined in the Pact for the Future with the potential to impact Mauritius’ sustainable development journey:Sustainable Development and Financing: Underscoring the need for tailored solutions for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including improved access to climate finance and innovative funding mechanisms like blue bonds and carbon credits.Science, Technology, Innovation and Digitalization: Highlighting the country’s progress in STEM education and artificial intelligence, while also calling for increased support in areas such as data security, research decolonization, and bridging the digital gender gap.Youth and Future Generations: Showcasing the country’s initiatives in youth empowerment, including the National Youth Empowerment Policy and various training programs, while advocating for a Youth Development Index and intergenerational partnerships. Looking AheadThrough active engagement nationally and regionally ahead of the Summit of the Future, Mauritius has sought along with other SIDS to amplify the unique challenges faced by island states and ensure that they are at the forefront of international discussions. The upcoming Summit presents an unparalleled opportunity for Mauritius to influence global governance reform in ways that will benefit not just SIDS, but the entire international community. As we approach this critical juncture in global cooperation, Mauritius' contributions stand as a testament to the vital role that small island states can play in crafting a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
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Publication
30 May 2024
Financing climate adaptation and mitigation in African Island States (AIS)
Under the leadership of the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UN DCO) Regional Office for Africa and the UN Resident Coordinators (RCs), this advocacy paper has been produced by the Economists from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Offices (RCOs) in five African Island States (Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Seychelles) and the Head of RCO and the Economist from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Comoros.
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Press Release
05 April 2024
Delivering Stronger, UNited for People, Prosperity and Planet
03 April 2024: The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) for Mauritius and Seychelles is having their Annual Retreat entitled “Delivering Stronger, UNited for People, Prosperity and Planet” from the 3rd to the 5th of April of 2024 in Mauritius. Bringing together UN agencies and their partners – Government, private sector and civil society - to strengthen cooperation and identify opportunities for new collaboration. This Retreat 2024 is a chance for shared learning and for enhancing UNCT collective engagement to streamline and focus efforts towards achieving national development priorities and Agenda 2030. During the Opening Ceremony at Maritim Hotel, Balaclava Ms. Lisa Singh, UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles highlighted this as a pivotal moment for the UNCT. It marks the first cycle of implementation of the new Cooperation Frameworks for sustainable development signed last year with the governments of each country. The Resident Coordinator highlighted:“Given the uniqueness of SIDS, many UN agencies have developed and are developing their SIDS strategy to better address their higher-than-average vulnerabilities to exogenous shocks. We also need to go beyond the small states narrative, for SIDS are more than small islands but large ocean states.”Hon. Sylvestre Radegonde Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Seychelles who joined online underlined:“Through strategic planning and evidence-based approaches…we have the opportunity to affect change for every Seychellois and Mauritian. The loss and damage fund, the multi-dimensional vulnerability index and the outcomes of the forthcoming SIDS4 Conference are tangible steps that will supercharge the breakthroughs needed by us to achieve the shared vision of Agenda 2030 of leaving no one behind. By analysing our challenges and successes we pave the way for the strategic implementation of this Cooperation Framework.”In his opening remarks the Hon. Maneesh Gobin Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius and Government of Seychelles emphasized:“Small Island Nations like Mauritius have unique inherent vulnerabilities which are often overlooked when it comes to resource mobilisation for development. We need to go beyond the GDP per Capita criteria and rapidly devise a vulnerability index tailored specifically for SIDS which will enable small islands to mobilise the adequate resources needed to address the urgent development challenges and the existential threats posed by climate change. This should be a priority at the forthcoming SIDS4 Conference in Antigua and Barbuda.”The panel discussions which are being held during the Retreat with representation from across sectors focus conversation on key headlight issues for each pillar of the Cooperation Framework (People, Prosperity, and Planet). They will provide a platform for strategic dialogue to enhance collaboration across the UNCT to collectively deliver on the commitments made in the Cooperation Frameworks for each country.With less than ten years left to achieve the SDGs, challenges have been clearly identified, and interventions targeted to maximize effectiveness. To that end, the Retreat 2024 for Mauritius will be forward-looking, aiming to catalyse action that is strategic, succinct, adaptable, and results-oriented and which integrates Leave No One Behind (LNOB) as the core unifying principle. WHEN: Wednesday 03 April – Opening Ceremony @9:30 am & Friday 05 April – Closing Ceremony @12pmKEY SPEAKERS: UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius & Seychelles Ms. Lisa Singh; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Hon. Maneesh Gobin Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius and Hon. Sylvestre Radegonde Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Seychelles; Mr. Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary, UNECA, Mr. Yacoub El-Hillo, Regional Director DCO Africa.
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Story
25 January 2024
Taking Action for a “clean” information ecosystem
Information pollution is a feature of our communication exchanges today. Ranging from spam messages cluttering up your inbox or unwanted advertising popping up on your social media pages to information being weaponized to incite violence, threaten democracy and human rights, and undermine public health and climate action. In his “Common Agenda” report the United Nations Secretary-General has identified the spread of mis- and disinformation and hate speech as an “existential risk to humanity” affecting all the Sustainable Development Goals.
Globally an estimated 67 percent of the world’s population is online as per the recent ITU Facts and Figures report. The figure for Mauritius is 68 per cent of people while in Seychelles is higher with 82 per cent. The vast scope for communications provided by digital platforms has brought about many incredible benefits to our society, increasing access to information, creating real-time engagement, and amplifying voices. But it is also evident that the sheer volume and questionable quality of information at our fingertips presents challenges of its own. This makes finding a solution to address the contamination of the information ecosystem no easy task.
Our UN Country Teams in Mauritius and Seychelles are taking action for information integrity to support a “clean” information ecosystem where human rights and freedom of expression can thrive. Here are some ways we are doing this:
Advancing internet integrity through national consultations for a voluntary UN Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms bringing together stakeholders from youth advocates to tech entrepreneurs to share their recommendations on the 9 principles for the Secretary-General led voluntary Code of Conduct to be presented to member states at the Summit of the Future.
Empowering the youth internet users through the Noontime Knowledge Series led in collaboration with university students. The focus of the most recent series was privacy concerns around AI and its impact on youth rights.
Facilitating the visit of the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy to Mauritius who examined privacy issues in relation to personal data, sharing of data across borders and cybersecurity, surveillance, artificial intelligence, gender, vulnerable persons, and children in the digital age.
The world is at a critical tipping point for digital governance. As we work to advance the 17 sustainable development goals it is vital that the international community prioritizes a digital space that's more transparent, inclusive and safe for all.
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For more information:
UN Code of Conduct 9 Principles
ITU Facts and Figures Report 2023
Noontime Knowledge Series
Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy
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Story
15 December 2023
CEO Forum moving Forward Faster for the SDGs
As underlined at the recent UN Climate Change Conference COP28 the clock is ticking on climate action. Engagement at all levels – local, regional, and global - with involvement by all players in the public and private sectors is urgently needed to mitigate and adapt to climate change while reducing inequalities and building resilience to crisis. For Mauritius as a Small Island Developing State with unique vulnerabilities to climate change and global shocks, accessing financing for climate mitigation and adaptation is essential. However, being a middle-income country traditional development channels are often not open to Mauritius. So all-stakeholders public, private, national and international must be mobilized to work in collaboration to strengthen the country’s resilience and secure the lives and livelihoods of Mauritians now and for future generations.
Within this context the United Nations Global Compact Local Network Mauritius and Indian Ocean organized its first CEO Forum hosted by IBL. The UN Global Compact with other private sector organizations has the potential to play a strong role in fostering the public-private dialogue and engagement for economic transformation and climate action. As such the event brought together decision-makers including CEOs, chief sustainability officers, chief financing officers and business institutions to engage around where the private sector is best placed to advance sustainable development.
The host of the forum Mr. Arnaud Lagesse, CEO IBL Ltd. underlined the importance of cooperation:
"Collaboration is not limited to geographical or sectoral boundaries. By joining forces, we can create synergies that transcend traditional barriers, especially in the area of climate action..."
In her opening remarks the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles Ms. Lisa Simrique Singh highlighted that:
“The aim of today’s workshop is to receive orientations from the decision-makers behind the Local Network of Global Compact, you, CEOs, on where and how the Network can add value to an already rich ecosystem of private actors for sustainable development.”
The specific objectives of the CEO Forum were to:
Promote increased CEO engagement with the SDGs through the UN Global Compact “Forward Faster” initiative to accelerate private sector action at the pace and scale needed to deliver on the 17 SDGs.
Encourage CEOs to intentionally align their current and future commitments to the SDGs.
Provide initial orientations for the strategy of the Global Compact Local Networks for the next three years, to bridge the gaps in terms of support to businesses engagement in the SDGs at national and regional levels.
Mr. Hervé Lado, Africa Regional Head of the Global Compact facilitated discussions of a CEO panel comprising Johan Pilot, ENL Property Ltd.; Pamela Bussier, Jubilee Allianz Insurance Mauritius; Vidia Moonegan, Ceridian Mauritius; and Arnaud Lagesse, IBL Ltd. The panellists shared what their respective company is doing to advance the SDGs and the The Ten Principles | UN Global Compact in Mauritius and the region. The conversation focused on the priority areas identified in the country’s Cooperation Framework with the UN, as well as the results of a materiality study “Developpement Durable, attentes des Citoyens et Priorites des Entreprises“ conducted by Kantar analysis. Businesses and citizens in Mauritius and other Indian Ocean countries participated in the survey.
The main themes centred around:
Reduction of poverty and inequality, including gender inequality
Climate action and preservation of ecosystems
Sustainable consumption and production patterns and decent work
In his remarks to conclude the panel discussion Mr. Lado emphasized the importance of the Global Compact Local Network strategy to support Mauritius' and Indian Ocean's businesses in their contribution to the SDGs, in line with national and regional priorities and with the Forward Faster Initiative and schedule the CEO Forum as a yearly event to drive this contribution.
Following the panel, a workshop was conducted bringing together 28 sustainability champions from diverse range of industries including financial services, tech and textile industries, consumer goods, banking, property development and hospitality sectors. The participants discussed development challenges and solutions to feed into the UN Global Compact local network three-year strategy.
The outcomes and next steps of the event included an official announcement to hold the CEO Forum annually and to finalize a strategy to accelerate the contribution of the UN Global Compact in support of private sector contribution to fostering a sustainable and impactful future.
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For more information on:
Global Compact Local Network Mauritius and Indian Ocean
Forward Faster Initiative
United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2024 - 2028
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Story
11 October 2024
WHO Mauritius Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons
A sensitization campaign and training-of-trainers (ToT) was conducted in Rodrigues during September as part of the National Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) Strategy, which promotes an integrated and person-centred approach to caring for older persons. Bringing together over 80 carers, social workers, nurses and doctors, as well as representatives of senior citizens associations and various commissions, the three-day event was a welcome exercise in knowledge sharing for this island of around 44,000 people of which those over the age of 65 has risen from 7.5% to 9.1% between 2011 and 2021. Of particular interest to the participants was the dissemination of the ICOPE Strategy and screening techniques for the early detection and prevention of physical and cognitive impairments.In her opening address in Rodrigues, the WHO Representative, Dr Anne Ancia, stated that ICOPE provides “a clear path forward for enhancing care for older persons through community engagement, workforce development, and legislative improvements. It represents a commitment to adapting health systems to better meet the needs of an aging population." She highlighted:"Proactively adapting our health and social service delivery systems today in order to address the specific needs of older people in an integrated manner will enable people to live longer and healthier without overburdening the health sector or the country’s economy.”The need to build the capacity of health and social workers at primary healthcare level is highlighted by the fact that the share of the total Mauritian population aged 60 years or above is projected to increase from 18.7% in 2021 to 36.5% in 2061 (the country’s older population is also getting progressively older). Over 400 doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists and dieticians have been trained on ICOPE since it was rolled out, and they continue to cascade their training to their fellow public health professionals as part of its community-based approach.An important component of ICOPE is the early, systematic screening of physical and cognitive decline so that these impairments can be detected at an early stage, when they can still be addressed effectively and before they lead to complications or to the loss of people autonomy. In May 2024, WHO and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) conducted a pilot for the systematic screening of 1,000 older persons to understand the need for referrals to higher health services (5 to 10% of persons screened required a higher level of care) and to plan for the expansion of these services accordingly.The ICOPE Focal Point for Rodrigues, Dr Davidson Casimir, explains that sensitization campaign and ToT, which were conducted by the MOHW and WHO Mauritius, served to “train trainers in Rodrigues on how to detect certain health problems affecting the elderly. As we saw, one doesn’t necessarily need to be a doctor to do this. In practice, it’s a tool that allows us detect problems related to eyesight, hearing, mobility, depression and cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s, using simple questions and observations.”Felicité Esther Roussety of the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity is equally enthused by the training on early screening. “It will allow people to look out for the warning signs without necessarily having to come to a healthcare facility. This can help improve quality of life whilst also reducing the burden on public finances,” she notes. “We can’t eliminate all health issues, but we can at least give a chance to elderly people to age well. It’s good to see that Rodrigues is included in the ICOPE strategy. I’m confident that the healthcare workers who’ve followed this training will be better equipped to provide quality health care to our elderly people.”Everyone has the right to age in safety and with dignity. WHO Mauritius through the development and implementation of ICOPE is supporting the United Nations promise to Leave No One Behind on the road to sustainable development.*********************************************************************************************Edited extract from the original article first published on the WHO Regional Office for Africa website on 09 October 2024.
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Story
20 September 2024
Collective Action for Our Common Future
The UN Country Team (UNCT) for Mauritius and Seychelles joined together today for a hybrid Town Hall with the intention of strengthening team spirit and supporting staff well-being. There are only days left until the Summit of the Future - the once-in-a-generation opportunity for the international community to address current and emerging global challenges and reform outdated international institutions. Our UNCT needs to ensure we are the strongest possible partners to the countries we collaborate with on their journey along the path of transformation for the sustainable development goals. Carving out time for the Country Team to share information and discuss pertinent information beyond our own silos is one such way to do this. Often town halls are also called “all-hands-on” meetings as they provide the opportunity to bridge the communication gap - for employees at different levels from different agencies to connect, which is essential for our team with colleagues based in different countries throughout the world. While world leaders at the Summit will have to make tough choices – to pave the way for global peace and prosperity, restore our planet, promote digital transformation and protect human rights for "Our Common Future". Our UNCT must take every chance to enhance our capacity to deliver, stronger, together on the outcomes of the Summit.
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Story
04 September 2024
Building Bridges with Sports
On Friday, August 30, 2024, the grounds of Foot Five in Terre Rouge in Mauritius came alive with an unusual diplomatic mission. Instead of suits and laptops, members of various international organizations donned jerseys and cleats for a friendly, yet competitive football tournament organized by the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius. The event brought together teams from the United Nations, European Union, and British High Commission, illustrating that international cooperation extends beyond conference rooms.The structure was simple yet engaging: two pools of three teams each, with the winners of each pool advancing to the final. The field was a melting pot of the diplomatic community including: the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office, International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Health Organization (WHO), European Union, British High Commission, and U.S. Embassy. Each team showcased not only their football skills but also their teamwork and sportsmanship. Spectators cheered from the sidelines, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement. After hours of thrilling matches, H.E. Henry Jardine, U.S. Ambassador, presented the first-place trophy to UN’s Team B, acknowledging their skill and teamwork on the field. Ms. Alia Hirji, the IOM Chief of Mission for Mauritius and Seychelles, accompanied by Ms. Fatuma Sainab Hassan Musa (Officer in Charge, UNDP) presented the second-place trophy to U.S. Embassy’s Team A. This exchange of trophies between nations and international organizations symbolized the true spirit of the event – championing connections and mutual respect through sport. Sport can bridge divides and foster understanding between nations and organizations and cultures, demonstrating that in our deeply interconnected, multipolar, and fast-changing world, multilateralism and partnerships are the foundations on which global prosperity and peace will be possible. With only 6 years left to accelerate on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), many of which are severely off-track, we must take every opportunity to deepen and commit to broader and more innovative partnership, ramp up opportunities for everyone, and combat exclusion and injustice to ensure a brighter future for us all - now and in the future. Only together can we take the bold actions that match today’s realities and tomorrow’s threats and opportunities. This is in the interests of every country. ***********************************************************************************Note to Reader: The Summit of the Future will gather together world leaders at the United Nations in New York during 22-23 September to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future. Find out more here.
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Story
24 April 2024
Exploring the meaning of "My health, my right"
This year marked WHO’s 75th anniversary year. Celebrations were guided by the theme, My health, my right, and its message in favour of available, accessible and acceptable health care.After a morning celebration with a health promotion campaign in Quatre Bornes honored by the presence of Minister of Health and Wellness, the Minister of Environment, the Mayor of Quatre Bornes and of parliamentarians, WHO also closed the celebration of WHO’s 75th anniversary by the launching of a stamp in order to immortalize this special year and to thank all those who participated in the many celebrations marking the event in Mauritius. In the true spirit of this year’s World Health Day theme -- My health, my right -- the WHO Mauritius team decided to celebrate with children and young adults with special education needs - respecting therefore the UN disability inclusion strategy - and, afterwards, with oldest-old ladies. Time with these amazing children and these enthusiastic ladies was awe inspiring. It first demonstrated how, in Mauritius, real efforts are being made toward bringing access to quality health care to all. It also showcased the unstinting dedication of health professionals serving the most vulnerable.Founded in 1987 by Josiane Ah Siong, the Association des Parents pour la Rehabilitation des Infirmes Moteurs (APRIM) works with 35 children and young adults living with physical and intellectual disabilities. For Mrs Ah Siong, who undertook the challenge of creating this pioneering NGO with other parents following the birth of her physically disabled daughter Axelle, the centre is a labour of love.Indeed, the association, provides education and specialized developmental activities such as occupational therapy to hundreds of Mauritian youths whilst also training their parents to better support their children.The APRIM team described the many progresses made since the opening of the center in the 1980s with new equipment better adapted to the needs of the children and health professionals better trained in specialized therapy, with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Ministry of social affairs. However, APRIM also expressed their worries from the change of remuneration structure for specialists as well as the discontinued education in occupational and speech therapists which would hamper centers like APRIM to identify and retain the needed qualified personnel. Parents, who have adopted APRIM as a second home, have also pointed out the absence of public transport accessible to people with disabilities.At WHO, we set great store by the recently passed Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, which is the domestication of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We hope the new disability bill effectively addresses the concerns of health professionals and of families caring for the 84,000 Mauritians living with disabilities, offering them better protection and ensuring they enjoy equal opportunities similar to any men, women or children in Mauritius.Mère-Augustine Home for Women is managed by a similarly committed group of people, like Sister Willina and Sonia. The Home is run by the Congrégation des Sœurs de Charité de Notre-Dame-Du-Bon-Et-Perpétuel-Secours. Its 11 staff care for 56 patients, the oldest of whom is 97. Most of the patients are sent by the Ministry of Social Affairs. One of the Mere Augustine Home’s main challenge is keeping up with the rising demand for admission associated with Mauritius ageing population. Indeed, between 2000 and 2021, the percentage of the population aged 60 and above more than doubled, from 9% to 18.7%. And this trend is set to accelerate with an estimated one Mauritian in three aged 60 or above by 2061, while the share of “oldest, old people” (80 and over) is set to increase twofold.WHO Mauritius works with the Government of Mauritius to address the emerging needs of this ageing population. Indeed the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) strategy launched in March 2023 has already trained 32 health professionals from multidisciplinary backgrounds which have themselves train 500 fellow professionals for systematic screening, early detection and referral of visual impairment, hearing loss, cognitive decline, malnutrition, mobility loss, and depressive symptoms.At WHO, we strive to work with Mauritius toward achieving Universal Health Coverage, respecting the Right to Health for All and Leaving No One Behind. It was important for us to ensure our celebration of this year world health day clearly marked the tone of our aspirations. We thank AFRIM and Mere Augustine Home for Women for sharing with us their experience and engagement. ***************************************************************Article first appeared on the WHO Africa website.
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10 April 2024
Advancing Ethical Recruitment and Skills Mobility in the Indian Ocean Region
Traditionally, in the Indian Ocean labour migration goverance has been viewed as the exclusive responsibility of member states. Private Sector's Call for Concrete SolutionsHowever, the dynamics are evolving with employers' representatives advocating for practical, real-time solutions to address pressing issues, ranging from labour shortages across skill levels to the mismatch in skills and the transfer of skills. They emphasize the importance of rapid identification of labour market needs through comprehensive labour migration statistics. Moreover, employers demand evidence-based, transparent, and efficient labour migration policies at the national level. This includes accelerating and simplifying work and residence permit processes and refining systems for the recognition of qualifications.Southern Africa Migration Management Project's (SAMM) Initiatives**The SAMM project has been at the forefront of fostering dialogue and collaboration between employers and policymakers. In 2022, SAMM organized two significant workshops focusing on labour migration governance in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Indian Ocean region. These workshops aimed to raise awareness among employers and gather their perspectives on labour migration governance.The first workshop, held in Johannesburg in partnership with the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), addressed business perspectives on labour migration governance in Southern Africa. The second workshop, in collaboration with IOE Policy Working Group on Migration, delved into the dialogue between employers and policymakers in the Indian Ocean region, specifically involving representatives from Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles.Challenges and RecommendationsDuring the workshops organized during the first week of October 2023, employers as well as the Government and Workers’ representatives highlighted challenges related to climate change, youth unemployment, and labour shortages in key sectors like construction, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and ICT of the Indian Ocean region. Additionally, they pointed out the difficulties in aligning education with the job market and the reluctance of the national workforce to engage in low-skilled, low-paid jobs.The SAMM project's core initiative includes developing a Code of Conduct on the Fair and Ethical Recruitment of Migrant Workers in the Indian Ocean region and its self-assessment tool, which were endorsed by the participants. This Code, discussed during the workshops, emphasizes transparency, accountability, and proactivity in labour migration practices.Key Recommendations and Framework DevelopmentThe initial recommendations from the employers and Private sector include the creation of a Fair and Ethical Recruitment Code of Conduct, support for a Regional Free Movement of Persons Agreement, development of regional labour market information systems, and enhanced social dialogue involving social partners in skills recognition mechanisms. Hence, the SAMM project has been actively involved through the first and second workshops in October 2023 to presenting a Fair and Ethical Recruitment Code of Conduct as well as its Self-Assessment tool for the Indian Ocean region. Moreover, skills mobility frameworks were developed at national and regional level, emphasizing the importance of social dialogue, capacity-building, and strengthening labour migration governance in the region. The framework also explores bilateral labour migration agreements and temporary migration programs to address immediate skills gaps and promote skills transfer. Both regional documents were endorsed at country and regional level with a few minor edits.ConclusionThe evolving landscape of labour migration governance in the Indian Ocean region reflects a collaborative effort between the private sector, policymakers, and international organizations. By prioritizing ethical recruitment, skills mobility, and fostering regional cooperation, the region aims to create a fair and sustainable labour migration framework that benefits both countries of origin and destination, employers, recruiting agencies, and migrant workers alike. Through ongoing initiatives under SAMM, the Indian Ocean region is paving the way for responsible and inclusive labour migration practices.Find out more here.**************************************************************************The SAMM Project is implemented by the ILO in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
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Press Release
19 January 2024
Mauritius’ human rights record to be examined by Universal Periodic Review
Mauritius is one of 14 States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during its upcoming 45th session from 22 January to 2 February 2024. The first, second and third UPR reviews of Mauritius took place in February 2009, October 2013, and November 2018, respectively.
The UPR Working Group is comprised of the 47 Member States of the Human Rights Council. However, each of the 193 UN Member States can participate in a country review.
The documents on which the reviews are based are: 1) national report - information provided by the State under review; 2) information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the Special Procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities; 3) information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations, and civil society groups.
The three reports serving as the basis for the review of Mauritius on 24 January can be found here.
Location: Room 20, Palais des Nations, Geneva
Time and date: 9:00 – 12:30, Wednesday, 24 January 2024 (Geneva time, GMT +1 hour)
The UPR is a peer review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all 193 UN Member States have been reviewed thrice. During the fourth UPR cycle, States are again expected to spell out steps they have taken to implement recommendations posed during their previous reviews which they committed to follow up on and highlight recent human rights developments in the country.
The delegation of Mauritius will be led by Mr. Maneesh Gobin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade.
The three country representatives serving as rapporteurs (“troika”) for the review of Mauritius are Brazil, Burundi and the United States of America.
The webcast of the session will be at https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1p/k1p87orzs9
The list of speakers and all available statements to be delivered during the review of Mauritius will be posted on the UPR Extranet.
The UPR Working Group is scheduled to adopt the recommendations made to Mauritius on Friday, 26 January 2024 between 15:30 and 18:00. The State under review may wish to express its positions on recommendations posed to it during its review.
// ENDS //
For more information and media requests, please contact Pascal Sim, HRC Media Officer, at simp@un.org; Matthew Brown, HRC Public Information Officer, at matthew.brown@un.org and David Díaz Martín, HRC Public Information Officer at david.diazmartin@un.org.
To learn more about the Universal Periodic Review, visit www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/upr/upr-main
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Press Release
24 July 2023
Consultations open in Mauritius ahead of the first major international conference on Small Island Developing States since the pandemic
Port Louis, Mauritius – 24 July: Consultations for the first major international conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) since the global pandemic opens in Port Louis, Mauritius on July 24.
At the meeting, the small island nations of the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIS) will meet with international partners to review sustainable development progress and propose new partnerships and solutions in advance of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda in 2024.
SIDS are in the crossfires of multiple crises: climate change, inequality and the economic and social repercussions of COVID-19, especially related to debt. COVID-19 hugely impacted all SIDS, especially the collapse in tourism that left large holes in coffers and severely set back efforts to invest in the Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action.
“Small Island Developing States are in the midst of a global crisis,” said Hon. Alan Ganoo, Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius. He continued, “We must send a collective message reaffirming our determination to address the complex challenges that we face.”
The eight AIS countries—Cabo Verde, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles, São Tomé e Príncipe, and Singapore—represent significant differences in exposure to climate change, natural hazards, and global markets. Since independence, some have developed strong economies, but their size and geographies leave them vulnerable to economic and ecological shocks.
Climate-related disasters such as severe storms, floods, and drought have almost doubled over the last 20 years, and they affect SIDS like no other countries. In a sudden-onset disaster, SIDS can lose everything overnight.
SIDS are responsible for only 0.2 per cent of global carbon emissions and yet suffer most from the impacts of climate change. The constant cycle of disaster and recovery leaves them weakened and unable to build resilience.
“The eight SIDS spread between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the South China Sea are as diverse as communities can be,” said Li Jinhua, United Nations Under-Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs, and Secretary-General of the 2024 SIDS Conference. “The United Nations is committed to supporting these islands in their quest for a more resilient and sustainable future. They may be geographically remote, but their problems are not theirs to face alone.”
19 per cent of the coral reefs in the world are in SIDS’ waters. The combined Exclusive Economic Zones of Mauritius and Seychelles – the waters they control – are bigger than the size of India. The meeting will assert that a sustainable future for the planet relies on a renewed and strengthened partnership between all island nations and the international community.
The Mauritius meeting is the first regional review meeting on the path to the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, taking place in Antigua and Barbuda in 2024. Further regional meetings will be held this summer in Tonga for the Pacific region and in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the Caribbean. These meetings will be followed by a final interregional gathering in Cabo Verde.
The Antigua and Barbuda conference next year will undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (S.A.M.O.A.) Pathway, a major international development compact agreed in 2014.
The Mauritius meeting will adopt an outcome document with recommendations that will feed directly into preparations for the 2024 Conference. The meeting will bring together ministers and senior government officials from SIDS across the region alongside representatives of development partners and the UN system.
For more information
UN 2024 SIDS Conference: www.un.org/smallislands
Social media
Please follow any highlights and updates for the 2024 SIDS Conference using the hashtags #SIDS4 and #SmallIslands.
On Facebook: United Nations, Global GoalsUN, UN DESA, OHRLLS
On Twitter: @UN, @GlobalGoalsUN, @UNDESA, @SustDev, @UNOHRLLS Media contact Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States | Conor O’Loughlin | conor.oloughlin@un.org
On Twitter: @UN, @GlobalGoalsUN, @UNDESA, @SustDev, @UNOHRLLS Media contact Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States | Conor O’Loughlin | conor.oloughlin@un.org
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Press Release
15 June 2022
First Multi-Sector Policy Dialogue between the Government of Seychelles and the United Nations Country Team
The first Multi-Sector Policy Dialogue between the Government of Seychelles and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), was held on 19 May 2022.
The Dialogue was organized as an open and constructive exchange between Seychelles’ Ministers and other representatives from both the Government and the UN, in order to reflect on the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and to identify priority areas of support and cooperation for the next UN-Seychelles Strategic Partnership Framework (SPF 2024-2028) in parallel with the country’s National Development Strategy (NDS).
The UN Resident Coordinator expressed the commitment of the United Nations through collective engagement to contribute to Seychelles development aspirations, moving from recovery to sustainable development, with a focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The two co-chairs recognised the excellent collaboration that exists between Seychelles and the United Nations, which extends over a broad scope of areas. The delegates exchanged experiences and best practices on possible cooperation on a number of issues of common interest, including the priority areas outlined for the next NDS, namely Transformative Economy, Environment Sustainability, Climate Change, Human Rights, Law and Order, Health, Social Affairs, Education and Culture.
Minister Radegonde and the UNRC Umutoni also acknowledged the role that the United Nations can play in advocating for Seychelles’ priorities and vulnerabilities as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). Both sides also agreed to work in synergy as a way forward, for the benefit and improvement of the socio-economic development of the country, post COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister Radegonde took the opportunity to reiterate the appreciation of the Government for the continued support of the United Nations Agencies towards Seychelles.
The High-Level Policy Dialogue represents one of the key outcomes of the UNCT Annual Retreat being held in Seychelles from 18 to 20 May 2022.
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Press Release
15 June 2022
Winners Announced SDG Youth Photo Competition
15 June 2022 - The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in partnership with Business Mauritius is pleased to announce the winners of their first photograph competition, “Narrating the Sustainable Development Goals through the Eyes of the Youth”. The contest was an opportunity for young people around Mauritius to submit entries that illustrate why the Sustainable Development Goals are important to their lives and to their country.
Involvement in arts and culture empowers young people to get their voices heard because artistic endeavours can encourage people to look at challenging issues in a different way, speaking straight to our hearts, and igniting imaginative and innovative solutions.
Open from 21 February until 30 April 2022, the contest received over 300 entries from young participants across the Republic of Mauritius. They were reviewed by a committee of 8 judges who selected 3 winners and 7 runner-ups for two age categories minors (12-17) and youth (18-25).
The winners for each category are:
Rank
Minor Category (12-17)
Youth Category (18-25)
1
Muhammad Hashim Kheedeer
1 Anoja Luxmi Devi Appadoo
2
Camille Wiehe
2 Luiciano Roussety
3
Cooper Preston
3 Group entry:
Ruttun Nadia Bibi Sumayyah
Koodoye Jhasvee
Luchmiah Divya
Davishtee Ramalingum
Ramsaran Souvina
Sabapathee Jeshinee
Bholah Bhavna
4
Camille Wiehe
4 Luiciano Roussety
5
Marie Ange Abbigayle Claite
5 Roushdana Bibi Saniyya Aungnoo
6
William How
6 Luiciano Roussety
7
Sanniah Allyboccus
7 Nathaniel Roland
8
Elodie Affouan
8 Group entry:
Teesha Boojhawon
Nandinee Nundoo
Ritika Teeluck
Trisha Balchurn
Trishna Balchurn
Nekhi Bhoyroo
9
Abdur-Rahmaan Muhammad Bin Nadeem Boodun
9 Mahatma Vidura Sukhari
10
Keshav Teeluckdary
10 Group entry:
Teesha Boojhawon
Nandinee Nundoo
Ritika Teeluck
Trisha Balchurn
Trishna Balchurn
Nekhi Bhoyroo
SBM Bank and Rogers Group have kindly provided sponsorship through the donation of generous prizes to the top 10 competition winners for each age category.
Cash prizes for winners through the SBM Amigos voucher:
1st – MUR 50,000
2nd – MUR 30,000
3rd – MUR 20,000
Top 10 winners for each age category will receive an organised visit from Rogers Group to Bel-Ombre Biosphere to showcase various SDGs, including the Yellow Submarine (Goals 4, 14 &17), Bis Lamer at CBeach (Goals 4, 14), World of Seashell Visit (SDG 14), giveaway of local produce from Agria (SDG 12), glass bottom session (SDG 14), rehabilitation of River Jacotet where each young person an plant a tree (SDG 15) and visit to Feypalmis (SDG 12).
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Press Release
26 May 2022
Launch of PAGE UNEP-FI and UNIDO Reports
With funding and technical assistance from Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) the reports entitled Greening the SMEs: Improving SME Access to Green Finance in Mauritius; and Industrial Waste Management - Cost Structure Review in Mauritius prepared respectively by UNEP-FI and UNIDO responded to the Mauritian Government’s commitment to transform Mauritius into an environmentally sustainable and inclusive country.
Since 2014, to date Partnership for Greeb Economy (PAGE) has worked closely with the Mauritian Government to achieve its national vision which sets a clear path for a transition to an inclusive green economy. The Ministry of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives has been an instrumental partner in the completion of the two reports that have been launched today.
The UN Resident Coordinator Her Excellency Ms. Christine Umutoni in her address recognized that
“Mauritius is setting an example about how to win this fight against climate change,” by looking to scale up green financing and embracing the idea of circular economy in its industrial waste management.
She went on to assure the full support of the UN family in supporting the Government of Mauritius in mobilising financial and technical resources to help Mauritius achieve its climate objectives and build resilience. She applauded the model of PAGE where many agencies come together to work on a joint program. This ensures coherence and better efficiency.
The Honorable Soomilduth Bholah, Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives pointed out that both the reports come at an opportune time to address challenges in the global area, which impact two key growth engines of the Mauritian economy, SMEs and manufacturing.
The Honorable Minister thanked the UN PAGE partners “for their strong commitment in supporting Mauritius in its endeavor to place sustainability in the centerpiece of its national development goals.”
The publication Greening the SMEs: Improving SME Access to Green Finance, by UNEP-FI seeks to assess the level of integration of environmental sustainability in the financing of SMEs in Mauritius. It examines the current state of green finance frameworks, practices and structures relevant to the financial sector and the potential to scale up green financing for the SME sector allowing increased access to green finance opportunities.
The second publication by UNIDO: Industrial Waste Management - Cost Structure Review by UNIDO aims to enable an effective industrial solid waste management (SWM) and facilitate the development of a Circular Economy for the enhancement of enterprises´ competitiveness. The activities carried out along the study respond to part of the recommendations of the previous 'Industrial Waste Assessment in Mauritius' report that PAGE produced in 2016-2017, with the collaboration of the then Industry Division of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Consumer Protection, UNIDO and Business Mauritius. Overall, it recommended to integrate the management of industrial waste (IW) with municipal waste with similar characteristics and to proceed towards the definition of the cost structure and policy gaps in several segments.
In continuation with Industrial Waste Assessment UNIDO study, the following sectors were assessed: textile and wearing apparel, chemicals and chemical Products, food products (Poultry, Seafood, Beverages and Bottling sub-sectors), printing and reproduction of recorded media and construction materials.
About PAGE
PAGE is an inter-agency UN initiative established in 2013, bringing together the expertise of five UN agencies – UNEP, ILO, UNIDO, UNDP and UNITAR, which work closely with national governments to provide a comprehensive and coordinated package of technical assistance, policy support and capacity building services to interested countries to develop, adopt and implement green economy policies and strategies.
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Latest Resources
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Resources
27 November 2023
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