Seychelles, Sweden narrow ties on climate change, knowledge development and oceans management - 09.10.2007
Source: Seychelles Nation
The Special Advisor to the President, Dr Rolph Payet, has been granted a special audience with His Majesty the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, to discuss climate change issues, in particular the Sea Level Rise Foundation, as well as the Seychelles University and knowledge development.
This meeting follows the very close relationship that Seychelles has enjoyed with Sweden over the last 15 years in areas of environment, climate change and ocean issues.
Both H.E. Ronny Jumeau, Seychelles’ Ambassador to the UN, and Dr Payet, were special guests of His Majesty in 2005 for the Royal Colloquium, which took them to the artic circle to discuss the long-range effects and implications of the melting artic.
Sweden, a developed nation, features in the top ten of the UNDP human development index, has one of the most competitive economies in the world, and has a high level of knowledge penetration.
In Stockholm, Dr Payet is also expected to meet with key ministers in the Swedish Cabinet and government officials to discuss a number of issues including knowledge-based societies, the Seychelles University, and overseas regional cooperation, especially their role in advancing marine research and ocean governance in western Indian Ocean. This is in the wake of recent findings that coral reefs and other marine species will continue to suffer from the changes in the climate as well as human pressure.
During the short visit to Sweden, Dr Payet will also attend the graduation ceremony of the World Maritime University, which is based in Malmo, a coastal city south of Sweden.
The World Maritime University, which is a leading tertiary institution in maritime affairs endorsed by the International Maritime Organisation, trains students from numerous maritime disciplines – including navigation, ocean trade, ocean law, maritime technology, marine pollution prevention and port development to meet the standards and demands of the industry.
Dr Payet is also expected to meet with the President of the University to discuss the Seychelles University and other issues related to tertiary education in the maritime sector. It is to be noted that several prominent maritime professionals in Seychelles have been trained at this University.
