Members attend the Budget Formulation Symposium

From the 22nd to the 24th June, some members of UNYS were given the opportunity to partake in the budget symposium workshop hosted by the Transparency Initiative Seychelles (TIS). Members who took part include, Mr. Raymus Laurence (The President), Ms. Amy Jean (Vice-President) and Ms. Annarose Clarisse (Country Representative and Founder).
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The first day of the workshop involved an interactive introduction to the budgeting process and what it entails which was carried to the second day as participants were able to put into practice what was learnt the previous day. By the end of the second day, participants were already able to comprehend budget documents and understand their importance. 

The third day was truly an exciting day as UNYS had the opportunity to be part of a panel which discussed transparency, accountability, and participation in the budget process. Panelists included Hon. Sebastien Pillay (FPAC Chair), Ginny Elizabeth (President’s Office), Gamini Herath (Auditor General), Astride Tamatave (Deputy Comptroller General from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade), Alvin Laurence (Citizen Engagement Platform Seychelles), Louana Pillay (Secretary General of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce & Industry) and Ms. Jean who represented UNYS on the panel. The panel proved to be quite educational as the panelists touched on some of their roles in the budgeting process as well as why youth should take an interest in the budget formulation as well as what can be done to encourage engagement. Ms. Jean spoke about why youth engagement is key to achieve some of the targets that have be set in national documents such as the National Development Strategy. Furthermore, she revealed the results of a small survey which UNYS carried out to see what the youth’s opinions were regarding this topic. Ms. Jean concluded her remarks by saying that youth participation in the budget process is necessary in order to achieve good governance in the country and how we must continue to create an environment which allows for youth involvement in this process. After the panel discussion, the workshop continued as participants learnt where to get sectoral budget information.

The workshop came to an end on the fourth day, as participants were given chance to use all their new skill learnt throughout this process to tackle issues which they would like to be addressed in the budget. At the end of this workshop, participants came out better versed in matters regarding the budget with an appreciation for the process.
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We at UNYS, would like to thank TIS for allowing us to participate in this workshop and to represent the youth on the panel. We take great pride in providing the youth of Seychelles with a platform through which they can share their opinion on current issues.
We hope that what was said toward youth involvement in the budget process, does not remain within the discussion that we had. We hope that that the conversation can be moved forward so that we see the youth’s input being implemented in the budget.

Island Youth against Substance Abuse

​IPYG Southern Africa, in collaboration with UN Youth (Seychelles) and JCI Beau Bassin Rose Hill (Mauritius), invites you to a Youth Empowerment Workshop on Saturday 07 November 2020.The workshop titled, Solidaire: Island Youth Against Substance Abuse, will be centered around substance abuse, a social illness that has infected the youth on the South Eastern Coast of Africa. This workshop aims to educate and create awareness among the youth on the current situation of drug abuse; as well as propose practical ways to help stop their prevalence in order to pave way for an everlasting culture of peace. Young people, teachers, parents and other members of society are welcome to participate and spread this message of peace.

Deep Seabed Mining Dialogue.

​The department of economy hosted a sea bed mining dialogue attended by one of our member Ms. Nellie Azemia. After participating in the session she had this to say "Although deep seabed mining is not currently taking place in Seychelles it is a topic for the involvement of our industry. As an aspiring scientist and a strong advocate for STEM education and the blue economy, the event was an eye opening session whereby I’ve gotten the chance to learn more about deep sea mining and the threats it might have on our ocean. From my point of view, I do believe with the enhance development of high technology and sustainable practice the work can be possible without harming the environment.
I feel very honored that I got to be the youngest representative at the event and I’m glad I’ve gotten the chance to know what’s happening around the world and as well as in Seychelles. And I believe that such topic needs more awareness so we can keep an eye on what’s happening and what might happen in the future."

Seychelles presents status of the SDG implementation

On  Wednesday 15th July Seychelles presented its first Voluntary National Review (VNR), showing the activities and results of the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The VNR was presented by the Minister responsible for Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning, Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne to a High-Level Political Forum under the auspices of the ECOSOC.  The VNR process followed the launching of the country’s long term vision-Vision 2033 and the National Development Strategy (NDS). The VNR was prepared based on input from the various technical working groups set up to assist with the process which also included the participation of UN Youth Seychelles. The President of the UN Youth Seychelles Ms. Raghavi Naidu who was in attendance for the presentation 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“.

Conflict of Interest Uncensored series

UN Youth Seychelles was invited to be part of a panel discussion to discuss 'Conflict of interest" and event organised by Transparency Initiative Seychelles. 

Ocean Conference

Ms. Tira Vidot participated in the Ocean Conference as a moderator which took place at Savoy two weeks ago. The conference saw the participation of children delegates and their teachers from all over the world, including Seychelles, who were taking part in the first International Schools Debates hosted by Seychelles. 

​Engaging Parliamentarians on Sustainable Development Goals

Ms. Annarose Clarisse delivered a presentation on Youth and SDGs in  a half day session organised by UNDP entitled-Engaging Parliamentarians on Sustainable Development Goals, in celebration of the International Day of the Parliamentarian designated on 30th June. 

Meeting with Ministry of Youth and Education

​On January 26th, UN Youth Seychelles (UNYS) held a constructive meeting with Ministry of Education Development and Human Resources. As one of our key stakeholders, the Ministry was apprised of upcoming projects which impact youth and school children. The meeting set the tone going forward for the collaboration between UNYS and the Ministry. 

UN Youth Seychelles (UNYS) and Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture held a productive meeting on January 30th whereby key projects regarding impacting Youth were discussed and received constructive feedback from one of our primary stakeholders. 

Leadership we want workshop

A Conference led by the theme "The Leadership We want" ,organised by the US Embassy focused on past Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) fellows and their leadership story to inspire others who attended. UN Youth Seychelles members were delighted to be a part of this conference and to collaborate and learn from participants from different fields and background. The key topics of discussions were what type of leadership do we want to see in Seychelles? What are the various characteristics of good leadership in different field? What is currently going well and what needs improving?. 

Launching of the Creole SDG Booklet

​On June 21, 2017 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the office focal office of the United Nations in Seychelles "Delivering as One" launched the Sustainable Development (SGD) Booklet in Creole. This was done with the aim of reaching the population and ensuring language barrier is not an obstacle for us to know the goals. During the same ceremony members of parliament also received a toolkit book on the SDGs and role of parliament. This is one step closer towards leaving no one behind.

Opportunities for Youth at the UN

UN Youth Seychelles has had the pleasure to present on the multiple opportunities available around the United Nations for youth.

The UN Youth Assembly and the opportunities for youth at the UN.

Have a look at our opening remarks by Ms Kelly Mothe (Corporate Secretary)
"Lets say that I am now 18, fresh out of college, no university degree yet and I say I want a car and a house in 10 years. I spend my money abundantly drinking everyday, or partying and live with my mother. I chose not to pursue a university degree because I can always do it after but I walk around with my mind set on a car and a house in 10 years. On my 8th years I start saving but realize with my salary I can only save at least 2,000 a month and I wont even have enough money to secure a loan. Well well a house and a car is good dream and can even be unattainable without proper planning and action set into motion to achieve it. How are the SDGs any different? These are even bigger goals that rest on change in policy, change in population habit and change for peace, for human rights, for the greatest wishes we have for this world. If we want to make any progress we ought to start NOW not waiting for our 8th year to 2030 to do as much cause we have a deadline, but using the time we have to maximize impact. Let us not be procrastinators of change but actors that manages time. Our efforts to put youth at the forefront of UN events and advocacy is to contribute to Seychelles voice, to put more people at the forefront of these efforts for a better world, through actions. Being young gives us an opportunity to start early, to use nature’s energy in the best positive and amplified manner. Investing in youth is the best investment you can make for any of your project as it’s the only thing that gives you hope your work will have a continuity and any success will keep being a legacy."​

Ms Raghavi Naidu, Vice President of UN Youth Seychelles delivered a very detailed presentation about Model United Nations (MUN). This covered the process in organising an MUN, what happens at an MUN and the importance of having it along with the benefits attached to it. For those who could not attend and are unaware of it MUNs are Model United Nations set that of a particular committee addressing an international issue much like the actual United Nations. Normally you represent a different country than you're own and you have to act, debate or negotiate according to the foreign policies of that country.

Mrs Abhilasha Singh, who's very passionate about MUNs gave us a very good incite based on her experience as a trainer and facilitator of the MUN for years now. She hopes that soon Seychelles can hold its own MUN and participate at other MUNs around the world, especially at the two UN headquaters which holds the two biggest one.

Mr Ziggy Adam, Chairman of the Board of SNYC for his presentation about the UNESCO Youth Forum which took place in Paris, France in 2015. Mr Adam covered the main theme of the forum, the required output, as well as benefits and areas that could be improved. The main areas of focus is Young Global Citizens for 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Young Global Citizen for sustainable planet and capture the energy of youth.

We would like to thank UN Coordination Focal point, Mr Michael Charlette for his address on the importance of youth in accessing the opportunities at the UN and their key role in contributing towards the SDGs. Mr Charlette outlined that in 15 years time it wont be the same people to own up to the success of the SDGs , it will be our young people and we might as well get them invovled now to follow up with it in future. Mr Charlette also explained his role as a UN Coordinator and the work of his office in Mauritius.

Ms Safira Charlette shared her insightful presentation about the UN Ocean Conference that she will be attending in July through the efforts of SYAY Seychelles. Ms Charlette talked about various threats to life in the ocean, work being done to mitigate such threats and the Blue economy. She was particularly interested to see what others had to say and whether anyone would have any points they would want her to put forward at the conference.

​Ms. Annarose Clarisse President and Founder of UN Youth Seychelles presented about the Youth Assembly at the United Nations. Her presentation also covered briefly on what is the UN and its main goals, the UNs main Resolution that calls for youth inclusion in representation of countries, UN Youth Seychelles vision and aim around all this and why such participation is important for Seychelles.

Meeting with the Ministry of Education

​UN Youth Seychelles met with the Minister for Education and Human Resource Development Mr. Joel Morgan along with other high officials of the Ministry to discuss ways to introduce Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in schools and how we can get young people engaged in promoting and contributing towards the SDGs. 

SNYC Affiliation

In an event ​on March 7, 2017marking the 19th anniversary of the formation of the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC). UN Youth Seychelles became and affliated member of SNYC. The ceremony included speeches from key individuals within SNYC who have contributed to the council's progress and highlighted the council's development and great achievements over the years. It also officially introduced 3 new youth organisations as affiliated members, one of them being UN Youth Seychelles. UN Youth's membership with SNYC is valid for 3 years.