From the 20th to the 22nd of May 2026, a delegation of the National Assembly of Seychelles led by Hon. Philip Monthy, convened in Antananarivo, Madagascar for the Plenary Meeting of ‘l’Association des Parlements des Etat members de la COI’ (AP-COI) and a thematic seminar on the challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Governance. Accompanying Hon. Monthy was Hon. Nelsia Balisa-Lepathy, and Research Officer Ms. Emma Didon.
On the morning of Wednesday 20th May, the delegation was present for the adoption of the resolutions of the Plenary of the ‘Parlement Regional des Jeunes de l’Indianocéanie’ (PRJIO) at the National Assembly of Madagascar. Representing the Seychelles cohort was Ms. Camilla Cupidon, Mr. Fabien Jeanne, Ms. Elgin Crea and Mr. Fredo Dubel. The youth members on the ‘Commission des Espace’ and the ‘Commission des Personnes’ delivered a report of their discussions and adopted two resolutions of the Commissions unanimously which addressed maritime security and the inclusion of youth in regional governance. This concluded with a series of discourses from the Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) Dr. Ibrahim Richard, the French Ambassador to Madagascar H.E Ambassador Arnaud Guillois, Hon. Monthy as interim President of the Association representing the Speaker Hon. Azarel Ernesta, and a distinguished representative of the Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar.
Hon. Monthy acknowledged the work of the PRJIO since their 2025 launching in Seychelles, recognising that the perspective of youth on the challenges of the region is imperative to finding collective solutions to regional issues. Further discussions between the PRJIO cohort and AP-COI Members centred on the advocacy of the PRJIO resolutions by the AP-COI members in their respective parliaments and the challenges of fluid and seamless communication between the COI bodies.
In a session moderated by Mr. Hamza Fassi-Fihri, an introduction on the topic of AI in governance through a module entitled ‘From the Digital Economy to Artificial Intelligence: Understanding the System’ was provided to participants. On Thursday 21st May, the AI seminar continued with focused discussions on the governance, regulation and practical applications of artificial intelligence with crucial contributions from UNESCO. Participants examined key risks associated with AI, including its impact on fundamental rights, data sovereignty, and the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as Seychelles, while also exploring emerging international frameworks for its regulation. The programme also provided an opportunity for delegates to share national approaches and the legal framework on AI governance, fostering a collective reflection on regional preparedness.
Hon. Monthy contributed on the discussion on Seychelles’ progress, highlighting the Data Protection Act, 2023 and the Cyber Crime and other related crimes Act, 2021 as recent initiatives towards AI governance. Discussions further highlighted the growing role of AI in parliamentary work, with the example of Mauritius as a country that has made strides in the area particularly in supporting legislative processes, oversight functions and public engagement. Ms. Didon made a brief intervention on the use of AI within the National Assembly of Seychelles, noting that while AI is yet to be integrated in its operations, AI tools are utilised with diligent human supervision in the undertaking of research functions. The session concluded with reflections on the ethical, social and employment implications of AI, emphasising the need for appropriate safeguards to ensure its responsible and inclusive use.
On Friday 22nd May, sessions began with the review of the recommendations collected from the ‘AI in Parliamentary Governance’ seminar. Members made contributions to the recommendations, with Hon. Monthy placing emphasis on the inclusion of a working visit on AI integration to the Parliament of Mauritius. The recommendations were adopted and the seminar was officially closed. The delegation then proceeded to the AP-COI Plenary, chaired by Hon. Monthy on behalf of Hon. Speaker Ernesta. Hon. Monthy pronounced the Declaration, effectively launching the Plenary, and commencing the review of their work in their last meeting in Mauritius. A highlight of the Plenary was the presentation of the results of the ‘Comparative Study on the parliamentary systems and practices of the members of the APCOI’, which has been ongoing for the past two years. This was followed by a session on the operations and functioning of the APCOI. All proposed decisions placed before the Plenary were unanimously adopted, including amendments to the statutes of the AP-COI, the hosting of the Secretariat of the AP-COI, and the final elements to the Memorandum of Understanding between the AP-COI and the Indian Ocean Commission.
The afternoon session comprised a substantive presentation on the challenges of Maritime Security in the region by Mr. Raj Mohabeer. As a first-time delegate of the AP-COI, Hon. Balisa-Lepathy highlighted the valuable insights gained and the fostering of deeper understanding of regional collaboration garnered by the association. She stated, “It was a truly rewarding experience that marked an important step in my journey as a member”. The Plenary was concluded by vote of thanks from the Secretary General of the IOC alongside concluding remarks from the President of the National Assembly of Madagascar, and a final speech from the AP-COI President delivered by Hon. Monthy, who then adjourned the session.
