Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan Engages UAE Delegation On Leadership Development And Cooperation

President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles recently engaged with a UAE delegation to discuss the ongoing collaboration between the two nations in government operations. The meeting included the launch of the second cohort of the Seychelles Executive Leadership Programme, developed with UAE support. This initiative aims to enhance leadership skills within Seychelles' government, aligning with both countries' goals for improved governance.

The programme's launch was attended by key figures, including Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange. Lootah emphasised the UAE's dedication to fostering international partnerships through knowledge exchange and capacity building. He stated that these efforts are crucial for advancing government models and securing future opportunities.

The strategic partnership between Seychelles and the UAE began at the World Government Summit 2022. An agreement was signed by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Devika Vidot, Seychelles Minister of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry. This collaboration focuses on capacity building, civil service enhancement, government services, competitiveness, policy development, and urban planning.

The Seychelles Executive Leadership Programme includes 30 participants from various government sectors. It covers six modules: government accelerators, future foresight, policy design, digital transformation, innovation in governance, and agile leadership. The programme aims to equip participants with advanced skills to improve government performance and contribute to national development.

The UAE delegation held discussions with several Seychelles ministers to evaluate the progress of their partnership. These meetings involved Minister of Finance Naadir Hassan, Minister of Health Peggy Vidot, Minister of Youth Marie-Celine Zialor, Minister of Lands Billy Rangasamy, Minister of Employment Patricia Francourt, and Commissioner Ted Barbe. The talks focused on future prospects for their strategic alliance.

During these discussions, President Ramkalawan praised the achievements in modernising government operations. He expressed optimism about further enhancing cooperation for mutual benefit. He stressed the importance of building capacities among Seychelles’ government personnel in collaboration with the UAE to lead national development effectively.

Site Visits and Future Prospects

The delegation also visited significant sites like the Government Services Centre and Government Accelerators project in Seychelles. These projects are key outcomes of the UAE-Seychelles partnership aimed at modernising government services. Ministers Rangasamy and Hassan accompanied them during these visits.

President Ramkalawan attended the programme's launch alongside Lootah and Ahmed Saeed Rashed AlHumaid Alneyadi from the UAE Embassy in Seychelles. Other notable attendees included Vice President Ahmed Afif and several ministers from Seychelles' cabinet. Their presence underscored the importance placed on this collaborative effort.

The meetings highlighted a shared vision for strengthening bilateral ties through innovative leadership practices. Both nations aim to leverage this partnership to enhance governance capabilities significantly while contributing positively to societal development.

With inputs from WAM