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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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07 February 2024
World Cancer Day 2024: Mauritius mobilizes to Close the Care Gap
The International Agency for the Research on Cancer (IARC) and World Health Organization (WHO) predict that new cancer cases worldwide will increase by 50% annually over the next 15 years, and 77% by 2050. This increase is due to an aging population and exposure to risk factors such tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diets, pollution and insufficient physical exercise.
Since 2022 the theme of World Cancer Day is Close the Care Gap. The aim of is to mobilize attention and resources to ensure that cancer can be addressed equally across the globe ensuring everyone who needs it has access to systematic testing, and early diagnostic and treatment. Today inequality of access leads to unequal cancer outcomes between developed and developing countries.
During a ceremony to launch World Cancer Day 2024 organised by the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), the WHO representative in Mauritius, Dr Anne Ancia, provided a reminder of the global cancer toll. In 2022 alone, more than 20 million new cancer cases were detected worldwide, while 10 million people lost their lives to the disease. “Many of these fatalities could have prevented or at least delayed,” she explained.
In order to stem the increase in new cases, Government has introduced a National Cancer Control Programme 2022-2025. The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailash Jagutpal, made clear that “prevention is a key element of this strategic plan. 40% of cancers can be avoided by adopting healthy lifestyles.” He noted that Government aims to screen 100,000 women yearly as a way of promoting the early detection of breast cancer, which represents the bulk of new cases.
In 2022, for example, 671 new cases of breast cancer were registered, compared to 290 cases of prostate cancer. Along with the importance of reducing the prevalence of risk factors such as smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of exercise, there is a pressing need to Close the Care Gap that can affect certain communities. The WHO representative, Dr Ancia informed:
“Many cancers can be cured if they’re detected and treated early, before the cancerous cells can spread beyond the organs where the tumor originated,”
The example of breast cancer is particularly relevant in this context. Having remained relatively unchanged during the 1980s, breast cancer fatalities started dropping significantly in the following decade after the widespread introduction of systematic screening and early detection programmes, coupled with comprehensive and timely cancer treatment protocols. This meant that breast cancer went from being a virtual death sentence to a disease with a high survival rate, if it's detected early.
Dr Ancia also reiterated the WHO’s staunch support for Mauritius – at country, regional and international levels - in its efforts to combat cancer. The Country Cooperation Strategy 2023-2026 which was signed in January last year forms the cornerstone of the WHO’s strategy to support Mauritius in the realisation of its “health-related Sustainable Development Goals”.
Its four strategic priorities are: Building resilient health systems to advance Universal Health Coverage; Strengthening emergency preparedness and response; Promoting health and healthy environments for all Mauritians through multisectoral engagement; and Supporting use of data and innovation for integrated, people-centred care.
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As originally published on World Cancer Day 2024: Mauritius mobilizes to Close the Care Gap | WHO | Regional Office for 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
06 February 2024
Turbocharging UNCT Collaboration with a Digital Knowledge Sharing Platform
Background
The only multi-country SIDS office in Africa, the Mauritius and Seychelles United Nations Country Team (UNCT) comprises over 80 percent of UN agencies which are non-resident spread across continents, time zones, and operational contexts. Therefore, ensuring consistent and effective communication and collaboration becomes even more pivotal particularly as the two countries gear up to launch the implementation of the new UN Cooperation frameworks 2024-2028. Recognizing this imperative, the Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) in Mauritius & Seychelles (MCO) successfully created and rolled out the UN Mauritius & Seychelles Knowledge Sharing Platform on SharePoint.
Six months after its official launch by our Resident Coordinator, Ms. Lisa Singh, the Platform today has more than 150 UN officers covering Mauritius and Seychelles from across the globe, as a mechanism for a robust interagency collaboration.
Key features:
Document Collaboration and Sharing: Ensuring Consistency and Efficiency
Be it for Common Country Analysis (CCA), Cooperation Framework, UNCT Results Reports, Universal Periodic Review, document sharing, review, and approval form a substantial chunk of our collaborative efforts. For us, 2023 was a busy year with the evaluation of the previous Cooperation Frameworks, followed by the design of the new Cooperation Frameworks, and CCA updates. These key steps required multiple rounds of input and feedback from the interagency working groups PMT, OMT, and UNCT - multiply by 2! The Platform made this process much easier by allowing UNCT colleagues to access, comment, and edit shared documents stored at a single, centralized, and secure platform. We witness a large decrease in back-and-forth of documents, and reduced oversight of vital inputs. The time required for document review and approval processes has been considerably reduced as well.
Thematic Document Repository: Shared knowledge on a shared platform
We made sure everyone in our UNCT, regardless of their location, could access needed resources through an easily accessible Thematic Document Repository as part of the Platform, which categorizes relevant documents per specific themes, such as environment, human rights, and health. This was useful, particularly for our work on the CCA and its timely update. It houses all historical and recent data and reports, ensuring that UNCT can easily track developments, identify trends, and collectively recognize challenges and opportunities. The RCOteam and I receive the new files, quality assure, and upload them to the Platform in a structured manner. We are planning to further enhance the repository by introducing carefully crafted metadata so colleagues can access relevant resources across thematic areas more easily, which, we hope will increase opportunities for more integrated policy work across thematic areas.
Interagency Working Groups: Promoting Focused Collaborations
We introduced dedicated spaces for interagency working groups such as the Results Groups, PMT, OMT, MEL, Communications, PSEA and on Gender. These serve as hubs for focused discussions, streamlined document sharing, and efficient project management. We have seen a huge increase in agency engagement as well as speedy and consistent communications within working groups through these dedicated spaces.
A Consolidated Contact List: Bridging Communication Gaps
Our Platform also houses a comprehensive and unified contact list accessible to everyone in the UNCT to help colleagues identify and connect with appropriate individuals or teams, ensuring that there are no missed connections. As the lead of this Platform, I mainly manage this list, but anyone in the UNCT has editing access and is asked to keep it updated during meetings. Part of the information on the list also helps us keep UNINFO UNCT composition up to date.
Elevating Collective Expertise: E-Courses and Webinar Repositories on the UNCT SharePoint Site
We realized that the different UN learning platforms contain a wealth of knowledge which staff are not always aware of. To address this, we dedicated a page to e-Courses from different UN entities fostering an environment of lifelong learning and self-paced upskilling.
Other features of the Platform include the News, and webinar archives to keep our UNCT members abreast with the new guidance and each other’s initiatives and facilitate access to the learning resources related to the work of the UNCT. What we learnt: Plan First: Before diving into SharePoint, outline the specific needs and desired outcomes of your UNCT, and understand your users. This helps the site serve its intended purpose. Through consultation with our UNCTs, we understood that the demand for an internal “knowledge one-stop shop” is high, and they expect the RCO to bridge this gap. Keep it simple: While SharePoint offers robust customization, over-customization can make maintenance cumbersome. Determine early on what truly needs custom solutions and what can be managed with out-of-the-box features to save time. Leadership matters: Undeniably, leadership buy-in is paramount when establishing a Knowledge Sharing Platform. The commitment and endorsement of UNCT senior leaders serve as a driving force behind the successful implementation and adoption of this collaborative platform. In our case, the RC has been a strong advocate for the Platform, and our Head of Office played a crucial role in bringing UN entities on board. Content is King: A Platform may be technically perfect, but if the content isn't relevant, regularly updated, or properly organized, it loses its true value. A content strategy, coupled with regular quality assurance, keeps a collaboration platform valuable. Training is Essential: Users need to know how to navigate the Platform. We developed a “Step-by-step” guide, tailored video tutorials and offer on-demand hands-on training. Introducing or overhauling a Platform often requires a significant behavioural change in users. Proactively manage this change by communicating the benefits, offering support, and being receptive to feedback. Feedback is Gold: Create feedback loops, where users can report issues or suggest improvements to ensure the platform remains relevant. Test Thoroughly: Testing the Platform prior to the launch to detect bugs, performance issues, or user experience problems can save countless headaches down the line. Our testing phase with PMT members enabled us to quickly amend a few access issues before the launch. Conclusion The introduction of the UNCT Knowledge Sharing Platform is a reflection of our pursuit of excellence and efficiency in interagency operations. When equipped with the right tools and platforms, the collective strength and synergy of our diverse agencies can be optimized to further the overarching goals and missions of the UN. While the initial investment to set up the Platform is considerable, the gain in efficiency and effectiveness is totally worth it!
Other features of the Platform include the News, and webinar archives to keep our UNCT members abreast with the new guidance and each other’s initiatives and facilitate access to the learning resources related to the work of the UNCT. What we learnt: Plan First: Before diving into SharePoint, outline the specific needs and desired outcomes of your UNCT, and understand your users. This helps the site serve its intended purpose. Through consultation with our UNCTs, we understood that the demand for an internal “knowledge one-stop shop” is high, and they expect the RCO to bridge this gap. Keep it simple: While SharePoint offers robust customization, over-customization can make maintenance cumbersome. Determine early on what truly needs custom solutions and what can be managed with out-of-the-box features to save time. Leadership matters: Undeniably, leadership buy-in is paramount when establishing a Knowledge Sharing Platform. The commitment and endorsement of UNCT senior leaders serve as a driving force behind the successful implementation and adoption of this collaborative platform. In our case, the RC has been a strong advocate for the Platform, and our Head of Office played a crucial role in bringing UN entities on board. Content is King: A Platform may be technically perfect, but if the content isn't relevant, regularly updated, or properly organized, it loses its true value. A content strategy, coupled with regular quality assurance, keeps a collaboration platform valuable. Training is Essential: Users need to know how to navigate the Platform. We developed a “Step-by-step” guide, tailored video tutorials and offer on-demand hands-on training. Introducing or overhauling a Platform often requires a significant behavioural change in users. Proactively manage this change by communicating the benefits, offering support, and being receptive to feedback. Feedback is Gold: Create feedback loops, where users can report issues or suggest improvements to ensure the platform remains relevant. Test Thoroughly: Testing the Platform prior to the launch to detect bugs, performance issues, or user experience problems can save countless headaches down the line. Our testing phase with PMT members enabled us to quickly amend a few access issues before the launch. Conclusion The introduction of the UNCT Knowledge Sharing Platform is a reflection of our pursuit of excellence and efficiency in interagency operations. When equipped with the right tools and platforms, the collective strength and synergy of our diverse agencies can be optimized to further the overarching goals and missions of the UN. While the initial investment to set up the Platform is considerable, the gain in efficiency and effectiveness is totally worth it!
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Video
24 January 2024
UNODC enhancing regional maritime security and law enforcement capacity
From 18-31 October at the advanced regional training centre in Seychelles the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) traveling team of experts facilitated two maritime rule of law exercises - MROLEX. The training looked at maritime security operations, ranging from vessel detection capabilities, legally-sound boarding procedures, the maintenance of maritime assets, and prosecution of maritime crime.
The thirty-two participants from Mauritius, Seychelles and Somalia who attended represented personnel from maritime law enforcement (coast guard, marines, police, customs), maritime maintenance (engineers from coast guard or police), prosecutors (either from ODPP for example or judiciary), and maritime domain awareness (watch standers who form part of national coast guard or police).
Find out more:
Supporting the health of island nations with maritime law enforcement | United Nations in Seychelles
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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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08 January 2024
Accelerating the transition to green energy using blue resources
A Validation Workshop on the “Prefeasibility Study on Offshore Wind Energy in Mauritius” was held on 05 October 2023. The full-day workshop was organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities and with the support of the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office for Mauritius and Seychelles. This study was commissioned by the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities under the on-going Joint SDG Project on Blue and Green Economy in Mauritius and Seychelles. The workshop was launched by the Honourable Georges Pierre Lesjongard, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities and Ms. Lisa Singh, UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles.
The Republic of Mauritius reviewed and published its Renewable Energy Roadmap 2030 for the Electricity Sector in May 2022. As per the revised roadmap, ocean renewables have been forecasted to account for 8% of the total energy mix (6 % Offshore Wind and 2 % Wave and Tidal) by 2030. The target was set considering the setting up of a 50 MW offshore windfarm and a 20 MW wave and tidal power plant.
The Joint SDG Project on Blue and Green Economy in Mauritius and Seychelles supported the Government of Mauritius in assessing the maturity of ocean renewables technology and thus define the scope of the prefeasibility study on offshore wind in Mauritius. To develop this study, the Danish Technical University (DTU Wind) conducted extensive consultations with stakeholders in the energy, fisheries, shipping, tourism and environment industry from Government, private sector as well as civil society organisations.
This whole-of-society and inclusive approach identified of one site for the implementation of either bottom-fixed or a second one for floating windfarms. Simulations of wind potential around the coastline of Mauritius further indicated that the site identified for bottom-fixed wind turbines could accommodate windfarm with installed capacity of greater than 50 MW, highlighting scaling up opportunities.
This exercise identified additional studies to be undertaken to mitigate adverse social, economic and environmental impacts of the implementation, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of the offshore windfarms, thus ensuring environmental and social stewardship and leadership.
The Government of Mauritius is now envisaging the development of a conceptual design for an offshore windfarm of up to 100 MW. This will put Mauritius well on-track to meet its target of 60% Renewable Energy by 2030. This study paves the way for Mauritius to reinforce its commitment towards the development of a sustainable energy ecosystem in line with SDG 7: Affordable Clean Energy; SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 14: Life under Water.
During that same period, from 04 to 06 October 2023, UNEP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mauritius hosted the regional networking forum. The forum brought together various stakeholders from the SWITCH Africa Green partner countries and other stakeholders involved in promoting an inclusive green economy and circular economy such as policy makers, business associations, the private sector, financial institutions, regional economic communities, international development organisations and partners, and civil society organisations.
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05 December 2023
Green Jobs for the Blue Economy
The climate crisis throws up challenges to economic growth and employment both today and in the future. But climate change action with a transition to a low-carbon, greener economy can lead to more and better jobs. Opportunities to create new jobs can emerge with adaptation to climate change and measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. However, these new green jobs require a workforce with the relevant skillsets.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) with support from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office for Mauritius and Seychelles in collaboration with the Government of Mauritius organized a Tripartite Validation Workshop on the November 9th in Moka. The purpose of the workshop was to validate three reports: the Skills Roadmap for a Green Economy supported by PAGE, and two reports under the Joint SDG Fund Project, the Feasibility Study on the ‘Campus des Métiers de la Mer’ and Rapid Skills Needs Assessment on marine-based renewable energy for Mauritius. Sébastien Vauzelle, Senior Economist, United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office for Mauritius & Seychelles highlighted: "Today's workshop is important...as the assessments it aims to validate are focused on education/skills for future jobs in the green and blue economy and local (renewable) energy production, both with environmental and climate action at their core." Given the multiple, overlapping crises ongoing these years, and the high level of uncertainty characterizing the future building resilience is essential to sustainable development. This includes social resilience, through sustainable, inclusive, and adapted social, health and education systems; economic resilience, through economic diversification and energy and food security; and environmental resilience, through climate action and protection of natural ecosystems. The presentation of the Skills Roadmap provided an opportunity to validate its approach and the potential to replicate in other countries. Mustupha Mauderbacus, Ag. Deputy Director, National Employment Department, Ministry of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training, underlined: “The Skills Roadmap for a Green Economy is highly welcomed, and it comes at the right moment. This Roadmap has been prepared by the ILO and with PAGE’s support. It aims to bring all key research findings, qualitative data and forward-looking recommendations produced in recent ILO studies with the objective to accelerate the process of setting up a sound national roadmap and implementation action plan.” With the ambitious renewable energy target of a 60% share by 2030 set by Mauritius, the country will need to diversify its energy mix to include renewable ocean technologies. As such, under the Joint SDG Fund Project, the ILO consolidated the feasibility study initially commissioned by the Indian Ocean Commission for the development of a regional Vocation and Research Campus for the Blue Economy. A Rapid Skills Needs Assessment for Mauritius also aimed to identify gender issues creating barriers to the enrolment of more young women in the sector, particularly for Ocean Renewables. Additionally, the event examined the development of hybrid training modules through International Training Centre (ITC)-ILO on the promotion of decent work and sustainable entrepreneurship in the blue economy. ********************************************************************************************** Find out more about: PAGE in Mauritius and Joint SDG Fund in Mauritius and Seychelles. .
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) with support from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office for Mauritius and Seychelles in collaboration with the Government of Mauritius organized a Tripartite Validation Workshop on the November 9th in Moka. The purpose of the workshop was to validate three reports: the Skills Roadmap for a Green Economy supported by PAGE, and two reports under the Joint SDG Fund Project, the Feasibility Study on the ‘Campus des Métiers de la Mer’ and Rapid Skills Needs Assessment on marine-based renewable energy for Mauritius. Sébastien Vauzelle, Senior Economist, United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office for Mauritius & Seychelles highlighted: "Today's workshop is important...as the assessments it aims to validate are focused on education/skills for future jobs in the green and blue economy and local (renewable) energy production, both with environmental and climate action at their core." Given the multiple, overlapping crises ongoing these years, and the high level of uncertainty characterizing the future building resilience is essential to sustainable development. This includes social resilience, through sustainable, inclusive, and adapted social, health and education systems; economic resilience, through economic diversification and energy and food security; and environmental resilience, through climate action and protection of natural ecosystems. The presentation of the Skills Roadmap provided an opportunity to validate its approach and the potential to replicate in other countries. Mustupha Mauderbacus, Ag. Deputy Director, National Employment Department, Ministry of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training, underlined: “The Skills Roadmap for a Green Economy is highly welcomed, and it comes at the right moment. This Roadmap has been prepared by the ILO and with PAGE’s support. It aims to bring all key research findings, qualitative data and forward-looking recommendations produced in recent ILO studies with the objective to accelerate the process of setting up a sound national roadmap and implementation action plan.” With the ambitious renewable energy target of a 60% share by 2030 set by Mauritius, the country will need to diversify its energy mix to include renewable ocean technologies. As such, under the Joint SDG Fund Project, the ILO consolidated the feasibility study initially commissioned by the Indian Ocean Commission for the development of a regional Vocation and Research Campus for the Blue Economy. A Rapid Skills Needs Assessment for Mauritius also aimed to identify gender issues creating barriers to the enrolment of more young women in the sector, particularly for Ocean Renewables. Additionally, the event examined the development of hybrid training modules through International Training Centre (ITC)-ILO on the promotion of decent work and sustainable entrepreneurship in the blue economy. ********************************************************************************************** Find out more about: PAGE in Mauritius and Joint SDG Fund in Mauritius and Seychelles. .
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27 November 2023
Supporting the health of island nations with maritime law enforcement
The ocean brings huge opportunities for island states like Mauritius and Seychelles with the Western Indian Ocean as one of the main maritime routes in the world. Legitimate global trade depends on this route, but the vastness of the ocean creates opportunities for maritime crime including piracy, trafficking of drugs, arms, people, and prohibited goods, smuggling and illicit fishing.
According to the Mauritian Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries, Shipping and Outer Islands, the persistent scourge of piracy off the coasts of Somalia threatens the security of private sector development, regional and international trade, economic integration, and development. While the influx of drugs, smuggling of goods, and human trafficking increase crime within society. Together with the unacceptable human cost – crime takes its toll on the ability of the country to meet its development priorities including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From 18-31 October at the advanced regional training centre in Seychelles the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) traveling team of experts facilitated two maritime rule of law exercises - MROLEX. The training looked at maritime security operations, ranging from vessel detection capabilities, legally-sound boarding procedures, the maintenance of maritime assets, and prosecution of maritime crime.
The thirty-two participants from Mauritius, Seychelles and Somalia who attended represented personnel from maritime law enforcement (coast guard, marines, police, customs), maritime maintenance (engineers from coast guard or police), prosecutors (either from ODPP for example or judiciary), and maritime domain awareness (watch standers who form part of national coast guard or police). South-South knowledge sharing is embedded in the training as the various country teams meeting in Seychelles were given the opportunity to learn from one another and establish contacts with fellow law enforcement personnel from neighbouring countries. Such professional networks form the basis for the joint effort to tackle common threats and challenges on regional and international levels.
In her closing remarks at the MROLEX I training, Ms. Lisa Singh, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles thanked the Seychelles Ministry of Internal Affairs, Seychelles Defence Forces, and Seychelles Police Force for their collaboration emphasizing that strengthening good governance, particularly as it relates to the rule of law is a shared responsibility that we must all embrace.
Highlighting the necessity to be ready to address these issues nationally and as a region at the 3rd Ministerial Conference on Maritime Safety and Security in the Western Indian Ocean held in November in Mauritius a key aim was to confirm and amplify commitments by the members states to combat risks and crimes at sea. As part of the Final Declaration: “The Conference recognises that the Ministerial Conferences’ outcomes require a regionally led, coordinated and complementary maritime security and safety mechanism as a deterrence against transboundary illicit and criminal activities at sea.” The United Nations remains committed to working in partnership to keep our oceans and people safe. This assurance is demonstrated by the presence of maritime issues in all three of the focus areas broadly encompassing People, Prosperity and Planet of the two new Cooperation Framework’s for 2024 – 2028 co-signed by the UN and host governments in Mauritius and Seychelles.
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21 November 2023
Leveraging Data to Leave No One Behind
The importance of data cannot be underestimated in understanding the relationship between economic, social and cultural rights and the sustainable development goals (SDGs) from a Leave No One Behind perspective. Disaggregated data is required to measure and monitor the extent to which marginalised groups in situations of vulnerability can enjoy their socio-economic rights and sustainable development outcomes. In a recent study on An Intersectional Approach to Socio-economic Data in Southern Africa: Leveraging Data to Leave No One Behind, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) explored these themes, focusing on Mauritius, Namibia and South Africa. All three countries are State Parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and actively report to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR).
The study had four main aims, namely, to understand the existing socio-economic data landscapes in each country; to illustrate some gaps in existing socio-economic data identified by the CESCR; to outline a Human Rights Based Approach to data in Mauritius, Namibia and South Africa; and to make recommendations on how stakeholders can leverage existing socio-economic data to reveal the extent of intersectional forms of disadvantage and discrimination.
The findings and analysis of the study include recommendations to key stakeholders, including National Statistical Offices, National Human Rights Institutions, National Planning Commissions (or similar structures), National Mechanisms for Reporting and Follow-up, and the United Nations system. OHCHR ROSA shared the study findings with key stakeholders during a webinar held on 28 September. The webinar built on commitments made by states during the 2023 SDG Summit, on strengthening international, national and local data systems for collecting high quality, timely, relevant, disaggregated and reliable data on SDG progress and efforts to bolster data and statistical capacities in developing countries.
Find out more here: advocacy brief and infographic
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21 November 2023
Strengthening Protection for Migrant Workers
In a concerted effort to address and combat human trafficking, Mauritius recently played host to Mr. Ashraf El Nour, the esteemed Regional Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Southern Africa. One of the prime focus of Mr. El Nour's visit was on the island nation's proactive approach in addressing labor migration and human trafficking issues.
The key event during Mr. El Nour's visit was a comprehensive workshop titled “Code of Conduct for the Recruitment and Employment of Migrant Workers in Mauritius.” This significant workshop was organized by the Mauritius Export Association (MEXA), in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training. The occasion was not only a crucial initiative for the country but also held special significance as it coincided with the observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The workshop primarily aimed to foster awareness and collective understanding about the Code of Conduct, emphasizing on fair recruitment and ethical employment practices for migrant workers in Mauritius. The event brought together government representatives, stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, and international organizations to exchange ideas and best practices in the realm of labor migration and protection of migrant workers' rights.
Mr. El Nour commended Mauritius for its proactive stance and the efforts made to ensure the dignity and rights of migrant workers are preserved. He highlighted the importance of such workshops in providing a platform for dialogue, where all stakeholders can collaborate to create a conducive environment for fair recruitment and ethical employment practices. During the workshop, discussions focused on various vital aspects, including the legal and policy frameworks in place to safeguard migrant workers, improving transparency in recruitment processes, combating human trafficking, and enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the region. Moreover, the workshop served as a forum to share experiences, challenges, and success stories related to the recruitment and employment of migrant workers.
Mauritius, as a hub for international trade and commerce, acknowledged the significance of fostering ethical labor practices, which not only contributes to its economic growth but also aligns with the country's commitment to international human rights standards. The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment and Employment of Migrant Workers is a vital step towards ensuring that every individual, irrespective of their origin, is treated fairly and equitably within the Mauritian job market.
In conclusion, Mr. Ashraf El Nour's official visit and active participation in the workshop highlighted the importance of international collaboration and knowledge sharing in the fight against human trafficking and for the promotion of fair treatment and ethical employment practices for migrant workers. It emphasized the need for collective efforts and strengthened partnerships to ensure the protection and well-being of migrant workers, aligning with the global efforts to eradicate trafficking in persons and promote a safer, more equitable world.
Article first published on IOM website 15 September 2023.
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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
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
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
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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