President Danny Faure met with the Founder and Executive Chairperson of the World Economic Forum Mr. Klaus Schwab this morning in the margins of the World Economic Forum on Africa currently taking place in Cape Town South Africa.

The President was accompanied by Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Minister Didier Dogley, High Commissioner Marie Antoinette Rose-Quatre, Economic Advisor Bertrand Belle and CEO of Nekton Expedition Mr. Oliver Steeds.

During the meeting, President Faure highlighted the economic and developmental challenges of the Seychelles in spite of having attained marked economic and human development successes and being the first on the continent for these development milestones.

President Faure pointed out that the challenge today remains sustainable development mechanisms to continue to grow whilst preserving the environment. Discussions focused on Seychelles strategy to protect her marine and land spaces and the employment of modern technology to tackle challenges such as plastic waste management and the proper mapping of our ocean space in order to develop a sound management framework for the vast EEZ and ocean space which the country shares with her neighbors.

For his part Mr. Schwab commended Seychelles for taking the right approach environment protection and for being a leader in sustainable development. It was noted that much can be learnt and shared from the Seychelles experience. Greater collaboration between Seychelles and the diverse platforms offered by the WEF is important in advancing the country’s domestic and foreign policy agenda but more importantly by engaging in collaborative efforts to tackle modern day challenges which impede growth, development and progress.

The President is expected to address forums on Africa's Climate Change challenge, Regional Integration and Travel and Tourism. He is also expected to deliver a speech on the challenges of development in the era of climate change. He will also hold several bilateral engagements with private entities, NGOs and development partners.

The World Economic Forum is a non profit organisation which creates diverse platforms for discussions and engagements with global shapers such as political and business leaders.