Speaker Ernesta

10/10/2026

08/10/2026

I was pleased to meet with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, Hon. M***a Azzan Zungu, on the margins of the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha.

Our discussions centred on strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, establishing a Seychelles–Tanzania Parliamentary Friendship Group, and expanding cooperation in trade and tourism. We also explored opportunities for closer collaboration in food imports, particularly meat and vegetables, and in promoting greater tourism exchanges between our two countries.

Speaker Zungu also commended Seychelles’ progress in tourism.

I was accompanied by Hon. Claudette Louise, Hon. Sathya Naidu, Mr. Nickey Antat, Director of the Office of the Speaker, and Ms. Haley Payet, IPU Desk Officer.

08/10/2026

Understanding Statements in the House 📄

"Mid-Year Economic & Fiscal Outlook Report for the Financial Year 2026" by the Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade & Investment, Mr. Pierre Laporte

👉 Check out the Statement live in the House from Minister Laporte, here: https://bit.ly/4hJUJJX

08/10/2026

📖 Introducing: Motions in the House

"Motions in the House" takes a closer look at the motions brought forward by Members, providing additional context, key facts, and background information on the issues being discussed.

From regional agreements and economic development to social issues and public policy, this series aims to help the public better understand the topics shaping parliamentary debate and decision-making.

👉 Watch back the debate in the House, here: https://bit.ly/4jIhmAT

05/10/2026

Speaker Ernesta Heads Seychelles Delegation to the 153rd IPU Assembly in Tanzania

The Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, Hon. Azarel Ernesta, is heading a parliamentary delegation to the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), taking place in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, from 5 to 9 October 2026.

The Seychelles delegation comprises Hon. Sathya Naidu, Hon. Claudette Louise, Mr. Nickey Antat, Director of the Office of the Speaker, and Ms. Haley Payet, IPU Desk Officer.

The 153rd Assembly brings together parliamentarians from across the world for high-level parliamentary dialogue and diplomacy. This year’s General Debate is centred on the theme “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.”

During the Assembly, the Seychelles delegation will participate in plenary sessions, statutory meetings and discussions on a range of parliamentary and global priorities, including inclusive social development and the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

The Assembly also provides an important platform for Seychelles to strengthen inter-parliamentary relations, engage with international counterparts and contribute the perspectives of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to discussions on issues of shared global importance.

02/10/2026

✨ New Edition of the UNDP Seychelles Gendered Voices Newsletter 🇸🇨

In our latest Gendered Voices newsletter, we celebrate four remarkable Seychellois women whose leadership, advocacy, environmental stewardship, and community action are helping shape a more inclusive and sustainable future. 🌍💙

Meet:
🌟 H.E. Mrs. Véronique Herminie, First Lady of Seychelles
🏛️ Ms. Alexandria Faure, Acting Clerk of the National Assembly
🌿 Ms. Nanette Laure, Principal Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources
🌊 Mrs. Joanna Prosper, SeyCCAT Blue Grants Fund Coordinator

Their stories reflect the strength of women’s leadership in a country where women head more than half of all households, occupy 40% of private-sector management positions, and hold a majority of ministerial posts. 📈👏

📖 Discover their journeys and be inspired by the women driving change across Seychelles.

DOWNLOAD THE PUBLICATION HERE:
https://www.undp.org/mauritius-seychelles/publications/undp-gendered-voices-newsletter-women-advancing-sdgs-republic-seychelles

Alka Bhatia
Office of the First Lady, Republic of Seychelles
Preethi Sushil
Alexandria Faure
Nanette Laure

🌍

02/10/2026

Commemorating the birth anniversary of the great Mahatma Ghandi. Warm wishes on this Gandhi Jayanti. May the values of peace, non-violence and compassion that Mahatma Gandhi championed continue to inspire us all.

08/09/2026

Celebrating International Literacy Day. May we continue to invest in learning for our people and our prosperity 🇸🇨