Global Climate Action Key to Redirecting Funds to Health, Education: Seychelles President

In a recent dialogue with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), President Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles highlighted the urgent need for enhanced global climate action. During the World Governments Summit in Dubai, he shared insights into how the Seychelles, an archipelago of about 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, is facing severe environmental challenges. These challenges include the erosion of coastlines and loss of natural barriers, which are crucial for the islands' integrity.

President Ramkalawan emphasized that the financial resources currently directed towards environmental protection could be better utilized in advancing education, health, and other sustainable development goals if climate change were more effectively mitigated. "This is a message from small Seychelles to the world," he stated, underlining the critical situation his country faces due to emissions from more developed nations.

The Seychelles, located east of northeastern Tanzania, is proactive in preserving its oceanic and terrestrial ecosystems. The nation's efforts extend beyond its borders, contributing to global emission reduction initiatives. For Seychelles, combating climate change is not just an environmental issue but a matter of survival. "Take us seriously," President Ramkalawan urged the international community.

The President expressed his approval of the historic agreement reached at COP28, the UN Climate Conference held in Dubai last December. The agreement on the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund and its funding arrangements saw commitments amounting to US$700 million. This fund aims to address the adverse effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Despite being classified as a high-income country in Africa, with a GDP growing faster than its population and a GNI per capita surpassing most nearby African nations, President Ramkalawan remains hopeful that Seychelles will benefit from this fund without negative repercussions.

The rapport between Seychelles and the UAE was also a topic of discussion. President Ramkalawan praised the strong ties between the two nations, highlighting considerable UAE investments in renewable energy and various projects within Seychelles. He noted the significance of people-to-people connections, with many Seychellois working in the UAE and numerous Emiratis and UAE residents visiting Seychelles as tourists.

Furthermore, top executives from Seychelles are receiving training in the UAE, fostering deeper bilateral relations. "There's a good chemistry between the UAE and the Seychelles. This is why we are the best of friends. We respect each other and this is what matters," President Ramkalawan remarked, underscoring the mutual respect and friendship that bind these two nations together.

With inputs from WAM