The National Assembly of Seychelles participated in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Istanbul, Türkiye. The delegation was led by the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Azarel Ernesta, and comprised of Hon. Sathya Naidu, Hon. Claudette Louise, Director in the Office of the Speaker Mr. Nickey Antat, and IPU Desk Officer Ms. Emma Didon.
During the Assembly, the delegation actively participated in plenary sittings, thematic debates, and statutory meetings, contributing to discussions on key global and parliamentary issues. A key highlight of the Assembly was the election of the new Secretary General of the IPU, in which the Seychelles delegation actively participated, including in the voting process. The Assembly also marked a significant achievement for Seychelles, as the Speaker Hon. Ernesta, was elected Chair of the Small Island Developing States Parliamentary Group (SIDS-PG), further strengthening the country’s role and representation within this important platform.
Hon. Claudette Louise contributed to the proceedings by delivering a presentation on Seychelles’ perspectives and experiences during the workshop entitled “Oceans and Climate Change: Parliamentary Leadership in Protecting Our Blue Planet.” On the margins of the Assembly, the Speaker held a bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the Right Honourable Numan Kurtulmuş. Discussions focused on enhancing parliamentary cooperation, including the establishment of a parliamentary friendship group, capacity building exchanges, and opportunities for collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
The participation of the National Assembly of Seychelles at the IPU Assembly underscores its continued commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, international cooperation, and the promotion of democratic governance.
