Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023: Seychelles President Ramkalawan advocates for Small Island Nations alongside President of Palau during ADSW Summit

19 January 2023 | Foreign Affairs

Abu Dhabi, UAE 19^th January 2023: During  the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023, the President of Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan participated in a panel conversation alongside the President of the Republic of Palau, H.E. Surangel S. Whipps, Jr that was Moderated by Anchor & Correspondent, CNN Eleni Giokos.

During this particular session, the two Heads of State contributed to ADSW Summit by sharing their perspective on the roles and responsibilities of nation leaders in climate control, combating climate change and achieving Net Zero. Through his participation, President Ramkalawan had the opportunity to share real life examples and efforts being implemented by Seychelles as a Small Island Developing State in the Indian Ocean.

“Seychelles, like all SIDS will continue to keep moving forward. Our existence is being threatened. Being small, remote and vulnerable to various external shocks, means we will be not able to overcome these challenges including climate change on our own. We are counting on the support of all stakeholders. The world has become more globalized and multilateralism will be more important than ever to the small states as it provides more access to the global fora, allowing us to be heard, to address our unique social, economic, and environmental challenges and to find solutions together with the rest of the world” said President Ramkalawan.

The session was hosted by Masdar as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which convened various world leaders from government, business and finance to take action, as they continue to work collectively to deliver on a climate roadmap for a net-zero future.

President Ramkalawan highlighted some of Seychelles conservation efforts focusing on how Seychelles has now moved to 100 percent protection of all its mangroves and seagrass meadows this year, adding to the already 32 percent protection of its ocean and 50 percent of its forest.

Also aimed at transforming pledges into action requires open dialogue and inclusiveness, with all stakeholders working together to forge partnerships, unlock investment and launch technologies and solutions that will accelerate sustainable development around the world. The event is also playing a vital role in not only advocacy but in ensuring momentum between COP27 and COP28, focusing on a wide range of critical topics including Food and Water Security, Energy Access, Industrial Decarbonization, Health, and Climate Adaptation.

During the moderated in conversation session other topics such as, Impact of climate change on small nations, the importance of the COP process to small nations, examining what the country is doing to adapt to climate change  and the latest trends shaping the world’s sustainability agenda were also addressed.

Amongst some of the dignitaries present included the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, H.E Eng. Awaidha Al Marar who delivered the opening address during the panel session. Also present was the Former President of Seychelles, Mr James Michel, who following the panel discussion expressed appreciation on how President Ramkalawan defended and promoted Seychelles.