President Herminie Receives United Nations Resident Coordinator at State House
Healthcare, climate change, the war in the Middle East, the Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), child abuse, and mental health were among the main topics discussed during a courtesy call this afternoon by the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms. Lisa Singh, on the President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie.
The delegates discussed the potential impact of the war in the Middle East, noting that Seychelles relies heavily on tourism. They highlighted that the conflict has disrupted flight operations in the region, which may contribute to rising fuel prices and is expected to drive up the overall cost of goods and services.
The President also highlighted the expired Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, between the European Union (EU) and Seychelles. He stated that his team will soon chair another round of negotiations aimed at securing a significant increase in revenue to help offset rising costs.
On climate change, the President emphasised Seychelles’ vulnerability to shifting weather patterns, particularly their impact on the agricultural sector. He noted that the government has an ambitious plan to introduce modern agricultural technologies, including hydroponics, with support from the Chinese government. This initiative aims to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on food imports.
For her part, Ms. Lisa Singh observed that Seychelles’ ranking under the Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) does not fully reflect the country’s real vulnerabilities. She underscored the lack of sufficient national data, stressing the importance of strengthening data science interfaces to better capture and represent Seychelles’ true level of vulnerability.
The meeting also addressed issues of drug abuse, mental health, and obesity. President Herminie emphasized the significance of his decision to re-establish the Agency for Prevention of Drugs Abuse and Rehabilitation (APDAR), dedicated to prevention, education, treatment, and rehabilitation. He recalled that prior to its dissolution in 2020, the agency had received substantial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), including capacity-building initiatives and exchange programmes. However, these efforts were not sustained.
The President noted that, under his leadership and drawing on his medical background, he has re-engaged with international partners to help combat these challenges, particularly with the emergence of new drugs on the market such as crystal methamphetamine and cocaine. He explained that, since the previous initiative was discontinued, the government will need to conduct an Integrated Biological and Behavioural Survey (IBBS) to determine the types of drugs present in the country, assess their magnitude, and evaluate associated health consequences. With continued support from the United Nations, the programme is expected to move forward successfully.
Discussions also focused on digital technology and its impact on youth, including digital violence and digital addiction. H.E, Ms Lisa Singh noted that this project will involve the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth in efforts to sensitise young people and families under the theme “Healthy Mind – Healthy Body – Prosperous Nation,” promoting resilience against cyberbullying and online violence.
In conclusion, Ms. Lisa Singh reaffirmed the support of the United Nations in her capacity as Resident Coordinator. President Herminie expressed appreciation for the role of the international organisation and looked forward to strengthening collaboration in addressing the country’s pressing societal challenges.
Following her meeting with the President, Ms. Singh also held a brief discussion with the Vice President, during which fisheries, the environment, emergency response, and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based land use data and risk mapping were discussed.
Ms. Singh brings over 24 years of international development experience across Asia and Africa, including assignments in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Vietnam. She presented her credentials in February 2023.
The UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) is the designated representative of and reports directly to the United Nations Secretary-General. The UNRC is the highest-ranking representative of the United Nations Development System (UNDS) at the country level and is responsible for leading the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), ensuring system-wide accountability for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and coordinating UN support towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.
Present at the meetings were the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Ian Madeleine, as well as representatives from the United Nations, Dr. Rex Mpazanje, Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), and Mr. Paul de Bruyn of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).
