On the morning Tuesday 15th April 2025, the Parlement Régional des Jeunes de l'Indianocéanie (PRJIO) was officially launched in Seychelles, and hosted by the National Assembly of Seychelles. In his opening address, Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles and Vice- President of the L’Association des Parlements des Etats Membres de la Commission de l’ocean Indien (AP-COI) Hon. Roger Mancienne, welcomed delegates from across the Indian Ocean region and reaffirmed Seychelles' strong support for youth development initiatives. He emphasised that the establishment of PRJOI builds on ongoing efforts by the Seychelles government to involve young people in national governance. Hon. Mancienne spoke of the importance of preparing the next generation for leadership by giving them real platforms to express themselves and influence decisions and commended the participants for their initiative in choosing to be part of this journey.
Speaking at the launch, President of the Commission de l’océan Indien (COI) Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, hailed the establishment of the Parliament as a landmark achievement for youth engagement in the region. It was stressed that the creation of the PRJIO is not merely symbolic but represents a tangible commitment to empowering young people. He explained that the future must be built, not inherited, and that the voice of the youth is among the most powerful tools that can be used to shape it.
In the absence of the Speaker of the National Assembly of Mauritius and President of the AP-COI, Hon. Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Vedasingam Vasudevachariar Baloomoody, delivered remarks on her behalf, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Seychelles for graciously hosting the inaugural edition of the PRJIO. He highlighted the strategic importance of involving youth in political processes, especially in a rapidly changing global environment marked by economic, political, and climate uncertainties.
5 members from the five countries of the Indian Ocean Commission delivered a powerful joint statement showing their shared commitment to regional cooperation, sustainability, and inclusive development.They pledged to work together to amplify youth voices beyond the walls of the conference hall, focusing on key priorities such as climate action, equal access to education and healthcare, regional connectivity, and cultural diversity. They spoke about unity, solidarity, and empowering young people, calling the Parliament a place that helps prepare future leaders to take part in public life and improve the Indian Ocean region.
Following a day of trainings and interactive activities hosted by the COI, the 1st PRJIO Cohort held their first Plenary Session, within the Chamber of the National Assembly, on Thursday 17th April 2025. This inaugural Sitting gave the cohort the opportunity to host their elections for the Presidency and other vital Committees, as well as host deliberations on the adoption of the official Declaration. These deliberations involved consultations with experts from COI, and amendments were voted upon by all Members.
The final session, to adopt the Declaration of the PRJIO, was opened by the Co-Presidents Hon. Amelie Lebeau and Hon. Hicham Khamlichi and began with a presentation of a report by Secretaire du bureau Hon. Halim Aboudou of the day’s activities.
Thanks were extended to the experts for the guidance and information extended to them, which aided in the formalization of each article of the Declaration. Hon. Aboudou then emphasized the gratitude of the Cohort for the opportunity to meet with the President of the Republic of Seychelles H.E. Wavel Ramkalawan. The group expressed their honour to be recognized as a Youth Parliament in such a capacity.
This was followed by a presentation of each article of the Declaration by Presidente de la Commission des espaces Hon. Elgin Crea and President de la Commission des personnes Hon. Andrianirina Rabenitsiry Mario Heriniaina, in which they detailed the document thoroughly to ensure the full understanding of each member and reaffirm their mandates and purpose of the PRJIO as young members. The Declaration was then voted unanimously and adopted by the Cohort.
The session was then officially closed by Speaker Hon. Mancienne, through heartfelt remarks in which he thanked all contributors and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the launching and formalization of the Youth Parliament. Hon. Mancienne expressed gratitude and pride in the National Assembly of Seychelles for hosting such an auspicious event, and noted the affirmation of Seychelles in promoting engagement with the youth at a regional level and strengthening ties within the Indian Ocean. On that positive note, the session was marked as closed with a souvenir photograph.
