Seychelles advocates for enhanced disaster risk reduction financing on global stage

Seychelles has proudly represented the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the High-Level Policy Forum on Accelerated Financing for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), held in Oslo from 25–26 March 2025.

 

Led by the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka alongside the Executive Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure and the Chief Risk Management Officer of the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD), Mr. Daniel Cetoupe Seychelles made a compelling case for flexible, inclusive, and sustainable DRR financing tailored to the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS.

 

In his keynote panel address, the Minister highlighted:

• Seychelles’ multi-dimensional risk landscape

• The nation’s coastal vulnerabilities and economic reliance on tourism

• Integration of DRR measures such as coastal restoration and critical infrastructure resilience

• A broadened “basket of risks” approach — including natural hazards, cyber threats, and trafficking issues

He stressed the importance of building domestic capacity and reducing reliance on Official Development Assistance (ODA), while calling for enhanced international support.

 

During Panel 5: Financing for Development, Mr. Daniel Cetoupe, Chief Risk Management Officer, emphasized:

• The need for adaptable and sustainable financing frameworks

• Funding mechanisms that reflect the diversity and realities of SIDS

• Harmonisation of DRR frameworks for long-term impact

 

Seychelles also secured promising bilateral engagements with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Bank, resulting in commitments to:

• Establish a National Disaster Loss Data Tracking System

• Develop a Resource Mobilisation Strategy for the DRR Strategy (2021–2030)

• Provide technical and financial support for the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC)

These outcomes mark a significant step forward in advancing Seychelles’ national resilience agenda and commitment to coordinated, sustainable DRR financing.

Next Steps:

Seychelles will be working closely with its partners to finalise cooperation terms, accelerate the Resource Mobilisation Strategy, and prepare concept documents for the NEOC financing framework.