ON Monday, 07 July, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officially inaugurated its newly renovated country office, UNDP House, located in Bel Air, Victoria. This marks a significant milestone in their 48-year partnership with the Government of Seychelles. The ceremony began with a ribbon cutting and unveiling of a commemorative plaque by UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Amanda Serumaga, marking the official opening of the new office. The Honourable Ministers, Ambassadors, Government officials, development partners, civil society representatives and other Heads of UN agencies who gathered to celebrate this occasion, also had an opportunity to tour the office, engage with the UNDP team, and take part in an immersive 360 Virtual Reality experience showcasing UNDP’s impact.
The new office space, made possible thanks to the generous support of the Government of Seychelles, provides the UNDP country office with a dedicated, modern workspace after many years without permanent premises. While programme implementation continued throughout this period, the move to the UNDP House enhances visibility, strengthens coordination, and fosters deeper engagement with national stakeholders. Coinciding with UNDP’s global 60th anniversary, the launch reaffirms UNDP’s longstanding presence in Seychelles and continued dedication to advancing sustainable development in close collaboration with public institutions, development partners, the private sector, and civil society.
UNDP’s formal partnership with Seychelles began in 1977, with the signature of the Standard Basic Assistance Agreement. Since then, it has helped the country with a wide range of initiatives aimed at ending poverty, reducing inequality, and expanding opportunities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP’s work includes climate adaptation and mitigation, renewable energy and biodiversity conservation, access to finance and environmental innovation, and inclusive governance and policy innovation.
With the reopening of UNDP House, the organisation looks forward to deepening its partnerships and continuing to catalyse inclusive and sustainable development in Seychelles.
—Source: undp.org
