Paris, France: President Danny Faure attended the opening of the first edition of the Paris Peace Forum today, at La Grande Halle de la Villette in Paris. The launch of the Forum, exactly 100 years following the end of World War I, is aimed at boosting global peace-building efforts through international cooperation.

Following the inaugural plenary session, President Faure addressed a group of civil society members, young entrepreneurs and university students in a breakaway plaidoirie session. Discussing Seychelles’ landmark blue financing projects such as the Debt Swap for Conservation and Climate Adaption and the Sovereign Blue Bond, President Faure spoke on the urgent need for innovative solutions given the threat of climate change.

“By international standards, these are small transactions, but for a country like Seychelles, they are important first steps in our transition to a sustainable blue economy. We also hope that our first steps will guide other Small Island Developing States and countries toward their own sustainable blue futures, and eventually gather global momentum for a giant green leap for humanity.

We are now keen to explore how blue finance can assist us with emerging technology-based sectors, such as renewable energy and waste management.

A healthy ocean is central to improving the livelihoods of all nations, regardless of whether or not they are coastal. Seychelles is calling on the developed countries to elevate the visibility and political importance of climate adaptation and mitigation – by pushing for bold solutions,” said President Faure.

He closed his address saying, “No nation is immune from a changing climate. As President Macron said, “There is no planet B”.”