Voluntary National Review 2020-Seychelles
July 21, 2020
Seychelles presents status of SDG implementation
July 21st 2020, VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES: Seychelles presented on Wednesday 15th July its first Voluntary National Review (VNR), showing the activities and results of the implementation of the 17 [1]Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The VNR was presented by the Minister responsible for Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning, Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne.
The presentation of the VNR before the High-Level Political Forum under the auspices of the ECOSOC was an opportunity for Seychelles to evaluate the achievements thus far as well as identify the gaps in the implementation of the SDGs. The VNR process followed the launching of the country’s long term vision-Vision 2033 and the National Development Strategy (NDS). It also allowed for the mapping of the SDG’s onto the six thematic pillars of the NDS thus ensuring that the enabling environment which is imperative for implementation is provided for.
In presenting the report the Minister responsible for Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning, Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne stated that “We embarked on the VNR process in 2019, cognizant of our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges [...] “. The Minister further reiterated the country’s commitment towards the SDGs and indicated that in addressing the next steps all aspects of the country’s development needs will be considered.
Seychelles highlighted some key achievements such as an extensive social protection system, the pursuit of the blue economy concept and the high human capital index. The VNR was prepared based on input from the various technical working groups set up to assist with the process. Also involved in its drafting were representatives of the business community and civil society.
On her part the Chair of the UN Youth Seychelles Ms. Rhagavi Naidu who was in attendance for the presentation and whose NGO organization had participated actively in the process said that “Including youth voices and the civil society in the preparation of Seychelles’ first VNR reaffirms the importance of incorporating multi-stakeholders actions. It was an important step towards bridging the gap between policy makers and project enablers. Going forward, it is clear that this dialogue is essential to harness synergies across stakeholders“.
The full VNR Report can be accessed on
http://www.finance.gov.sc/uploads/files/Voluntary%20National%20Review%202020%20-Seychelles.pdf