DIPLOMATIC RESPONSE
Excerpt from a speech delivered by Diana Skingle – British High Commissioner and dean of the Diplomatic Corp on the occasion of the Diplomatic and Consular Corp reception held at the Wharf Marina on 5th February, 2007, hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Patrick Pillay .
As a Small Island Developing State we know that you face particular challenges. We know too that there may be even greater challenges ahead. Avian flu, climate change and climate security are the new words on everyone’s lips. They are not only on your own internal agenda for the coming months and years ahead, but also high on the international diplomatic agenda too. It is therefore encouraging to hear that Seychelles’ voice is already being heard as part of a like-minded international group engaged in climate change issues.
Giving and exchanging views is what diplomacy is all about, whatever the subject. Whether countries are small or large, we each have a role to play, not only for our national interests but for our wider, collective responsibilities. The membership of Seychelles in the United Nations, the African Union, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, the Indian Ocean Commission, la Francophonie, and the Commonwealth demonstrates, not only the far-reaching role that Seychelles can play in regional and international affairs, but also illustrates the many overlapping frameworks in which we all work today. As the world becomes more complex and inter-connected, so too the mechanisms that we use to deal with our complicated world. In New York, the United Nations Panel on System-wide Coherence has made recommendations on how that important institution might be changed to ensure enhanced performance, efficiency and accountability. This is important work for diplomats in support of the new Secretary General so that the United Nations is fit for purpose in responding to the development, environmental and humanitarian challenges that affect us all in the 21st century.
2006 was a significant year for Seychelles - President Michel in his National Day speech called it “a milestone year”. It marked the 30th Anniversary of your Independence as a nation. It also marked a continued and enviable movement upwards for Seychelles on the ladder of the United Nations Human Development Index. Seychelles also achieved high visibility on the international stage. Your Presidential elections in July provided a particular focus for the international and diplomatic community. A record number of international electoral observers and experts were invited from La Francophonie, the Commonwealth, the United States and SADC countries, underscoring the high level of interest in the democratic process in Seychelles. But there were some difficult challenges too. President Michel at his inauguration, pledged - and here I quote - “to build a modern Seychelles, a Seychelles that is stable and prosperous; a Seychelles of opportunity for all Seychellois; a Seychelles that brings happiness to and is the pride of its entire people; a Seychelles that is a beacon of success - economic, social, cultural and spiritual.” President Michel also affirmed that his government will be dynamic, professional and transparent. Minister, your international partners applaud the President’s commitments. A strong, healthy and just society, underpinned by good governance, democratic values, a successful economy, and peace and security, is the sort of sustainable and equitable development to which all citizens around the world aspire. 2006 has been a particular time for Seychelles to reflect on its achievements and to consider its future aspirations. Minister, your diplomatic and international partners look forward to seeing the continued progress and success of all the people of Seychelles and we look forward to working in partnership with you.
