ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (BG) — President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles has reaffirmed the nation’s leading role in marine conservation and sustainable energy at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025.

Addressing a high-level dialogue “Harnessing Blue Economy & Marine Conservation for Sustainable Energy Transition,” President Ramkalawan emphasized Seychelles’ steadfast commitment to protecting ocean resources and integrating them into a just and equitable energy transition.

The summit, a global hub for sustainability and climate action, gathered world leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore the critical role of the blue economy in advancing renewable energy solutions.

President Ramkalawan mentioned how Seychelles, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), is both vulnerable to climate change and a pioneer in innovative sustainability solutions.

“Small Island Developing States like Seychelles are on the frontline of climate change, yet we are also pioneering solutions that demonstrate the immense potential of the blue economy to contribute to a sustainable and resilient future. By harnessing the power of our oceans responsibly, we can accelerate the global shift to renewable energy while safeguarding marine biodiversity for generations to come,” Ramkalawan stated.

Innovative Blue Finance and Marine Conservation Efforts

Highlighting Seychelles’ groundbreaking initiatives, the president spotlighted the nation’s expansion of marine protected areas and innovative blue finance mechanisms, notably the world’s first sovereign Blue Bonds.

These initiatives have bolstered Seychelles’ capacity to promote sustainable fisheries and marine conservation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels by adopting renewable energy sources.

He also called for enhanced global cooperation, capacity-building, and investment to enable countries to responsibly utilize marine resources to address global energy challenges. He stressed the importance of shared responsibility in achieving sustainability goals.

“Our aspirations for a sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy are not just for ourselves, they are for the generations to come and for a healthier planet. Together, let us work to turn these aspirations into reality. Seychelles stands ready to continue leading by example, proving that small nations can inspire global change. With unity, innovation, and determination, I believe that our shared vision for a brighter future will be achieved,” he affirmed.

Ramkalawan’s active engagement at ADSW 2025 shows Seychelles’ leadership in marine conservation and its dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

His address is a compelling call for collective global action toward a sustainable and resilient future.

The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands northeast of Madagascar.

The country has a total population of 121,355 people, three-quarters of whom live on the main island of Mahé. Seychelles has Africa’s highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, at $16.7 billion (2023), according to the World Bank.

Its economy is highly dependent on tourism and fisheries, and climate change poses long-term sustainability risks.