VICTORIA, Seychelles — A high-level Seychelles delegation attended the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on June 7 and 8, in a session convened as a special event ahead of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. The two-day gathering brought together heads of state, senior policymakers, financiers and innovators to mark World Oceans Day and to press the case for sustained investment in a sustainable blue economy.
Seychelles was represented by Ambassador to the United States Ian Madeleine; principal secretary for the Blue Economy Phillianna Ernest; chief executive of the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) Marie-May Jeremie; and senior international cooperation officer Gabriella Gonthier. Their presence underlined the country’s commitment, as a small island state, to drive international action on ocean sustainability.
Speakers included Prince Albert II of Monaco, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and Palau’s UN Ambassador Ilana Seid. Discussions covered sustainable fisheries, marine biotechnology, renewable energy and eco-tourism, with a recurring focus on bridging science, conservation and finance to open new funding pathways. The forum ended with a renewed call for international cooperation, ethical policymaking and science-based action as attention turns to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, where a ‘Nice Ocean Action Plan’ is expected to be adopted.
