Rédaction Africa Links 24 with nation.sc
Published on 2024-03-03 15:09:46
The second Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Action Plan for 2024-2025 and the launch of the National Integrity Coalition Platform took place at State House, with Vice-President Ahmed Afif leading the ceremony. This action plan emphasizes transparency, inclusivity, and participatory decision-making, showcasing Seychelles’ commitment to good governance principles.
Seychelles joined the OGP in 2018 through the World Bank, aligning itself with 79 other countries endorsing good governance. In December 2023, the Seychelles cabinet reviewed potential areas for inclusion in the National OGP Action Plan, ultimately approving five key areas that focus on transparency, sustainability, governance reform, digital transformation, employee well-being, and public health.
The five approved areas in the second National Action Plan for 2024-2025 are as follows:
1. Continuing the implementation of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) to enhance transparency and sustainability in the fisheries sector.
2. Establishing a National Integrity Coalition to advance governance reforms.
3. Promoting Digital Transformation and Connecting People to bridge digital divides.
4. Developing an Employee Wellness and Empowerment Policy to improve workplace environments.
5. Managing alcohol consumption to cultivate a healthier populace.
The first OGP Action Plan in 2019 had four commitments, all of which were successfully achieved, showcasing Seychelles’ dedication to collaboration with various stakeholders in finding solutions to societal challenges.
The second commitment, the creation of a National Integrity Coalition, focuses on engaging key independent state institutions like the Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles, Electoral Commission, Ombudsman, and others to advance governance reforms and strengthen democracy. The NICP aims to empower these institutions to safeguard democratic principles and engage with civil society for informed governance.
Ombudsman Nichole Tirant-Ghérardi highlighted the importance of the NICP in fortifying democracy and ensuring integrity within independent state institutions. The NICP will operate through mechanisms such as Institutional Strengthening, Civil Society engagement, and Government Engagement and Systemic review to uphold democratic values and governance systems.
The ceremony concluded with eight individuals signing the Declaration of Intent for the National Integrity Coalition, demonstrating their commitment to promoting integrity and democracy within Seychelles. President Wavel Ramkalawan, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and high officials from the government and diplomatic corps were present at the event.
Overall, the launch of the second OGP National Action Plan and the establishment of the National Integrity Coalition Platform signify Seychelles’ ongoing efforts to uphold good governance practices and collaborate with stakeholders for a better future.
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