27th September 2015 – Mr. Joël Morgan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport is representing President James Michel at the United Nations Summit for the adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda currently being held in New York, United Nations Headquarters, 25-27 September 2015.

In his address to the UN Post 2015 Development Agenda Summit, Minister Morgan described the Post-2015 Development Agenda as the ‘most important long-term plan we have for our survival’ and on behalf of Seychelles gave his support to the adoption of the Agenda.

He highlighted Goal14 which relates to the sustainability of the oceans as very important for the Seychelles and for SIDS, given their vulnerabilities. He also said that though the Seychelles has achieved most of the Millennium Development Goals, ‘the Post-2015 Development agenda must continue to put greater emphasis on the fight against climate change, poverty, education including early childhood development and higher education and a strong emphasis on gender equality as the tools to achieving sustainable development’.

Pope Francis was also invited to address the delegates on the first day of the Summit. In his remarks, Pope Francis said that the Adoption of the 2030 Development Agenda is ‘an important sign of hope’ and that his wish is that the forthcoming Paris Conference, COP21 ‘will secure a fundamental and effective agreement’ on Climate Change.

Justin Etzin, Seychelles delegate, said ‘the agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. All countries and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, will implement this plan.’  

The other members of the Seychelles delegation are Mrs. Marie-Louise Potter, Seychelles Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Mr. Ronny Jumeau, Ambassador for Climate Change and Small Island Developing States issues, Mr. Justin Etzin, Consul General of the of the Republic of Seychelles in New York, Ms. Wendy Isnard, Second Secretary from the Seychelles Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, Ms. Lindy Ernesta , First Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Transport and Ms. Deborah Cholmondeley, Attaché of the Seychelles Permanent Mission to the UN .

Originally reported in the African Manager and Nigerian Voice