United Nations 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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Publication

04 November 2024

2024 Trade and Development Report

The 2024 Trade and Development Report calls for a fundamental rethink of development strategies amid a global slowdown and rising social discontent.It warns that the global economy, strained by crises and climate change, is stuck in low growth and weak investment, unable to meet development needs.Meanwhile, rapid technological changes and rising geopolitical tensions are reshaping trade and production patterns, potentially worsening inequalities between developed and developing countries.In a sluggish economy, developing nations face tough policy choices as they contend with rising debt, high energy prices and growing demands for health and social services.Despite these challenges, the report identifies opportunities, such as soaring demand for critical minerals for the energy transition and increased South-South trade. However, without strategic policy shifts, the opportunities could be lost.The report urges developing countries to prioritize economic resilience and diversification, moving beyond manufacturing-led export models. It calls for stronger multilateral action to improve tax cooperation, ensure an equitable energy transition and build a development-focused global financial system.It examines five core themes:A new, low normal for the global economyThe changing structure of trade and trade policiesThe dawn of the service economyFinancialization in a new commodity cycleThe Global South and its quest for long-term development financeWe must rethink, reform and revive. Rethink global development strategies, reform the international financial system and revive the commitment to multilateralism.Rebeca Grynspan Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

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24 October 2024

United Nations Day - For People, For Planet

Today the UN family in Mauritius was proud to commemorate UN Day with a beach clean-up near Pointe aux Sables. Demonstrating the power of joint action our team in Mauritius partnered with Reef Conservation to collect over 80 kg of waste polluting the coastal area. Unfortunately, more than half of this is non-recyclable. For Mauritius as a small island developing state (SIDS) the ocean forms the backdrop of our daily life and is a source of livelihood for much of the population. Climate change is heating our island, disrupting weather patterns and altering our unique marine ecosystems. And our coasts are being polluted with chemicals, plastics and other waste. UN Day provides the opportunity to highlight the power of multilateralism to address seemingly insurmountable challenges such as the climate crisis.As the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres reminds us:"Hope requires determined action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity and a thriving planet."For almost 79 years the UN has been and continues to be a symbol of hope and unity in this world. In these globally unstable times, the UN brings focus to economic development, human rights, environmental protection and humanitarian aid. On this international day we amplify our UN’s ambition to deliver on the Common Agenda for the people and our planet, in support of prosperity and peace. The determination to get the world back on track by working in partnership to boost action on the Sustainable Development Goals. As we celebrate UN Day 2024, our team in Mauritius reaffirms our commitment to a United Nations that can support Governments to deliver on the future we want and ensure we Leave No One Behind on our path to a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future. View the full UN Secretery-General's video message for UN Day here.

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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. ************************************************************* 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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28 October 2024

Youth SDG Photo Competition Is Open for Submissions

Showcase your creative talents! Participate in the Youth SDG Photo Competition - "Focus on the Future". This photo competition is your chance to make your voice heard, share your thoughts on the issues affecting your future, and highlight what you want to see change in your community and beyond.What We're Looking ForWe want young people aged 14 to 25 to get creative and submit a photo that reflects what the following themes People, Prosperity, or Planet mean to them. Your photo could capture a powerful moment, show your hopes for a greener Mauritius, or celebrate community spirit—whatever speaks to you and fits the theme. Each photo should connect to at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). How to Take PartChoose a Theme: Pick one of the following themes:People: Tell the story of your community and the people who inspire you or highlight issues that need more attention.Prosperity: Show us how economic growth, innovation, and inclusion can shape a better future for all.Planet: Share your vision of a greener, more sustainable world.
Connect it to the SDGs: Pick one or more SDGs that your photo represents. For example, if your photo is about reducing inequality, that links to SDG 10. Find out more about the SDGs here.
Photo Format:File type: JPEGSize: A minimum of 5 MBColour or Black-and-WhiteOriginal photographs, no AI generated images
Get Creative! Minor edits like adjusting brightness or contrast are fine but keep the essence of your photo true to the original. No heavy manipulations, no collages, and no text overlays are allowed. One Photo Per Person: You can submit one photo only. Age Groups:Youth: Ages 14-17 (A parent or guardian must submit your entry).Young Adults: Ages 18-25.What Can You Win?The top three photos in each age category will win amazing prizes, including: a camera, Decathalon vouchers and a professional photo print...more prizes to be added.All winners will be featured in a UN exhibition and may be showcased in our future campaigns and materials.Key DatesLaunch Date: 29th October 2024 Deadline for Entries: 28th February 2025.Judging Period: March 2025.Prize-Giving Ceremony: April 2025Rules and GuidelinesParticipants' Consent: Photos that include people must have their consent (or that of their guardians) if they're recognisable. Avoid photos that could embarrass or misrepresent others.Authorship: The photo must be your own original work.Ethics in Photography: Respect others' rights and dignity. Check out this Photography Ethics Guide for more tips.Usage Rights: By entering the competition, you're giving the UN a license to use your photo in the future for non-commercial purposes for exhibitions and in United Nations communications materials. You will be credited where your photo is used.UN staff members (including interns and consultants) or their family members and professional photographers are not eligible to participate. Jury Panel members are not eligible to participate. All entries not respecting the theme, or the technical/authorship requirements set out will not be considered.The Judging PanelAn independent panel of experts from the photography, the arts, and sustainability sectors will evaluate the anonymous entries based on:Relevance to Theme & SDG: Does your photo connect with the theme and chosen SDG? Creativity & Originality: Show us something new—think outside the box! Composition & Technical Skill: Consider framing, lighting, and overall impact. Emotional Impact: Does your photo inspire, move, or make people think? Ready to Enter? Fill out your submission form here.*For participants under 18, the entry must be submitted by a parent or guardian with their consent.Want Some Inspiration?Check out these resources to boost your photography skills and knowledge about the SDGs:Basic Photography Tips Understanding Photo Composition Photo Ethics Guide Actions for a just society | United Nations Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goals - United Nations Sustainable DevelopmentYou can also attend our free virtual workshops to learn more about photography and the SDGs - follow us on X @UN_Mauritius and on FB for details!

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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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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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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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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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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

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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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