From the 19th to the 28th of August 2024, the National Assembly of Seychelles was represented at the Commemorations of the 40th Anniversary of the National People’s Congress (NPC’s) Membership to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the 2024 Interregional Seminar on the Achievement of the SDGs for Parliaments of Developing Countries held in Beijing, China. The delegation was led by Speaker Hon. Roger Mancienne, and comprised of Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sebastien Pillay, Hon. Norbert Loizeau, and Director of the Office of the Clerk Ms. Brigitte Contoret.
The Opening Ceremony, held in the Great Hall of the People, was undertaken by the Chairman of the National People’s Congress H.E. Zhao Leji, and attended by all Honourable Speakers and heads of delegations. A notable highlight was the meeting of Speakers with the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, in which he delivered a welcoming speech emphasising that “[we] are all members of the Global South…despite different national conditions.” President Xi Jinping then made a call to action for the advocation and promotion of “an equal and orderly multi-polar world and an inclusive economic globalization that benefits all”.
The Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Interregional Seminar on the Achievement of the SDGs for Parliaments of Developing Countries then took place with addresses given by President of the IPU Hon. Dr. Tulia Ackson, and Secretary General of the IPU Mr. Martin Chungong, amongst others. The theme of the seminar was “Stronger Inter-Parliamentary Exchanges for Better Achievement of the SDGs. During the seminar, Hon. Mancienne was invited to give a presentation under the theme “Jointly upholding peace and stability for common development and prosperity”, in which he emphasized the interconnectedness of the world and the implications of global events. Speaker Mancienne underscored the significance of peace and stability to the world’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the vital role of parliaments in creating a more progressive world based on mutual cooperation.
Hon. Sebastien Pillay was then also invited to give a presentation under the theme “Synergizing development strategies for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization”. This presentation outlined the importance of global prosperity and inclusive economic globalization. It was noted that the Global Development Initiative seeks to achieve the 2030 Agenda's Sustainable Development Goals by fostering equitable partnerships and promoting stronger, greener, and healthier global development. Hon. Pillay remarked that "we must ensure that we defend and promote what the people need, while emphasizing the transfer of modern technologies, economic diversification, and international cooperation to build resilient, sustainable economies." The seminar was then followed by visits to various Provinces in China.
Speaker Mancienne noted his appreciation for China’s sustained engagement with the IPU and the global parliamentary network, stating that “as a leader in the world economy, China’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability is certainly welcome.”
