Dubai, 30th March 2022: President Wavel Ramkalawan yesterday (29th March) morning attended the opening sessions that launched a series of thematic panel discussions as part of the 8th Edition of World Government Summit.

The Summit, taking place in Dubai has brought together thought leaders, global experts and decision makers to share and contribute to the development of tools, policies, and models that are essential in shaping future governments. With over 4,000 participants, world leaders, policy makers, international organizations and the foremost thinkers from more than 190 countries, providing the ideal platform for dialogue and actions that will shape the future of humanity.

President Ramkalawan was a speaker during the Global Energy Forum where he was panelist at the session entitled 'The Rising Blue Waters... Governments Combating Climate Change'. Moderated by CNN's Eleni Giokos, the panel also saw the participation of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Gaston Browne and from the Maldives, the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Technology, H. E Aminath Shauna.

With the last seven years being the warmest on record, coupled with the rapid increase of extreme weather events, the impact of climate change is more visible than ever before. The world’s landmasses are projected to sink in a matter of decades, posing an existential threat to the world’s lowest-lying countries today. Island states are on the frontlines of climate change, where the effects of rising temperatures and sea levels demand innovative climate action. The panel discussion presented the three representatives of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) the opportunity to highlight the plight of small island nations vis-a-vis the negative effects of climate change and how continuous pollution and the inaction of large industrialised nations are threatening their existence.

"We, as small island nations are doing our utmost despite our size, limited landmass and resources; we continue to increase our percentage of protected zones. However, we are also the ones suffering the most in terms of the negative effects of pollution and climate change. Therefore, strong and urgent actions are needed to drive cohesive climate, nature and development outcomes. So many commitments have been made but the reality remains that more needs to be done to fulfil climate finance commitments " said President Ramkalawan.

Following the session, the President also participated in a series of media interactions to further share the cause of small island nations as well as discuss relations between Seychelles and the UAE.

Full video of the Forum can be viewed on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktoskhtk1ks

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