On the 30th of November 2023, the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) began in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The COP is an annual multi-lateral decision-making forum in which attendees have the opportunity to discuss ways in which to address the climate crisis and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Representing the National Assembly, and in his capacity as newly elected President of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, was Hon. Waven William.
Hon. William was invited to attend the COP28 by the Climate Parliament – a global network of legislators working to inform and mobilise Parliamentarians to take action on climate emergency, energy access, and large-scale renewable energy sources. On Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th December 2023, Hon. William was present at a number of panelist discussions. On Wednesday 6th December 2023, Hon. William attended and spoke at the IPU – Federal National Council (FNC) Parliamentary Meeting, which was a discussion centered on the role of parliamentary oversight in driving the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and commitments beyond COP28. In his address, Hon. William highlighted the efforts of the National Assembly of Seychelles, with the support of the IPU and technical partners, in the development of robust legislative measures and increased parliamentary oversight mechanisms to strengthen scrutiny.
Showcasing the endeavors undertaken by Seychelles, Hon. William gave an account of the Ocean Climate Action and Blue Carbon solution plans. It was noted that Seychelles is ahead of the planned schedule of “50% protection of sea grass and mangrove ecosystems by 2025”, with a remarkable 99% of sea grass and 89% of mangrove ecosystems currently under protection in 2023. Seychelles is also one of many countries championing the revision of the UN Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to take the needs and context of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) into account, and more carefully address the unique vulnerabilities of the SIDS.
Hon. William gave a strong call to action to parliamentarians to commit to effective oversight in climate change legislation both within and outside the Parliamentary Chambers, noting the importance of public engagement and the role of the public as vital stakeholders in the parliamentary framework.
