Seychelles: President Herminie Calls for Renewed Trust and Stronger Multilateralism at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81)

President of the Republic Dr Patrick Herminie has called for renewed trust in multilateralism, stronger respect for international law and greater collective action to address the global challenges facing the international community.

Addressing the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Herminie reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to peace, dialogue and a rules-based international order, stressing that geopolitical divisions cannot be addressed through isolationism.

“Seychelles is a friend to all, and an enemy to none,” the President said, reaffirming the country’s policy of non-alignment and its commitment to principled diplomacy, mutual respect and international law.

President Herminie stressed that peace remains the foundation for sustainable development, calling for an end to the normalisation of conflict and for international law to be applied equally to all. He also highlighted the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation, particularly for small island states whose economies are heavily dependent on the oceans.

The President called for reform of the United Nations Security Council to better reflect today’s geopolitical realities. He reaffirmed Seychelles’ support for Africa’s common position that the continent should have no fewer than two permanent seats on the Security Council, with full prerogatives, including the veto for as long as it exists.

Reflecting on Seychelles’ 50 years of independence, President Herminie emphasised that “size does not define sovereignty, and geography does not diminish dignity,” noting that all nations have an equal right to sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity.

He further highlighted the challenges faced by Seychelles and other Small Island Developing States, including transnational organised crime, drug trafficking, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and the growing impacts of climate change.

On climate action, the President stressed that for Seychelles, climate change is not a future concern but a daily reality threatening infrastructure, livelihoods and the country’s territory. He called for greater climate ambition, increased access to finance and the full implementation of mechanisms that recognise the particular vulnerabilities of small island states.

He also called for affordable and accessible long-term financing, meaningful debt relief and the full implementation of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, stressing that GDP per capita alone does not adequately reflect the realities and vulnerabilities of SIDS.

Turning to emerging technologies, President Herminie highlighted both the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence, calling for global digital governance grounded in human rights, ethical standards and international law.

Concluding his address, the President called on Member States to restore trust by upholding international law, reforming global governance institutions, delivering equitable climate and development finance, and protecting the world’s oceans and climate.

“Let us restore trust. Let us manage transformation. And together, let us build a United Nations that truly delivers for every nation and every human being,” President Herminie said.

The United Nations General Assembly, which brings together all 193 UN Member States, provides the principal global forum for countries to discuss international issues, share national priorities and work towards collective solutions. The annual General Debate gives Heads of State and Government an important platform to present their countries’ positions and priorities to the international community. For Seychelles, participation in UNGA provides an important opportunity to highlight the priorities of small island states, particularly on climate change, ocean protection, sustainable development, maritime security and access to development finance, while contributing to global discussions on issues that affect nations of all sizes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.