Welcome to the United Nations
Republic of Seychelles
Main Messages of the 2025 Voluntary National Review of the Sustainable Development Goals
April 2025
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We, the people of the Republic of Seychelles reaffirm our strong commitment to sustainable and inclusive development in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Building on its inaugural Voluntary National Review (VNR) in 2020, Seychelles has made notable strides across multiple sectors, demonstrating adaptability and recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The post-pandemic rebound of key industries—particularly tourism and fisheries—highlights the country’s adaptive capacity and economic stability, and further exemplifies the tenacity and determination of the Seychellois people.
The 2025 VNR is guided by the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2024–2028 and aligns with all 17 SDGs through six national priority areas. It provides a timely opportunity to reflect on achievements, identify gaps, and realign implementation strategies for deeper impact.
Data-driven development remains central to national planning. Seychelles continues to strengthen data systems for SDG monitoring, leveraging digital technologies to improve data collection, policymaking, and service delivery. A multi-stakeholder approach ensures inclusivity and accountability in development processes.
Effective governance, transparency, and accountabilityare central to the VNR process. At the highest level, the Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles underpins sustainable development, human rights, and environmental preservation, creating a strong foundation for SDG implementation. To date, Seychelles leads Africa in the Mo Ibrahim Index and ranks 18th globally in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index .
Economic diversification and innovation are key to long-term resilience. The Blue Economy continues to support sustainable growth and job creation. Beyond tourism, Seychelles is promoting cultural and community-based tourism, and deepening reforms in financial services. The digital economy is gaining momentum, enabling e-governance, entrepreneurship, and inclusive access to services—particularly in education, health, and social protection.
Human capital development remains a national priority. Seychelles has achieved significant progress in Universal Health Coverage, with a national index score of 0.82 in 2023. The country is also strengthening maternal and child health and improving its public health preparedness.
Education is central to national development. Efforts to improve learning outcomes include investments in early childhood education, technical and vocational training, and the integration of digital tools and platforms to enhance accessibility and quality. Education reform is aligned with the needs of a modern, skills-based economy.
Seychelles’ Social protection systems are being strengthened to reduce inequality and better support and empower vulnerable populations. The government is digitizing service delivery and improving the targeting of support to youth, persons with disabilities, older persons, and low-income households. Cross-sectoral coordination ensures that social protection complements education and health efforts for a more holistic approach to inclusion.
Environmental sustainability and climate resilience are deeply embedded in Seychelles’ development model. The country is scaling up renewable energy through its first Integrated Resource Plan and leveraging international finance through mechanisms like the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility, and a forthcoming Disaster Risk Financing Strategy.
The VNR process in Seychelles is inclusive and participatory, engaging government, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. Case studies in Seychelles’ 2025 VNR highlight local innovation and community resilience, and showcase best practices in SDG implementation. The VNR process serves as a crucial call to action as we approach the final years of the SDG implementation period leading up to 2030.
As Seychelles progresses socio-economically, the need to strike a balance between wealth creation, sustainability, and citizen-driven growth becomes increasingly vital. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) navigating the complexities of a globalized world, Seychelles is committed to advancing sustainable development, capitalizing on its strengths while remaining acutely aware of its distinctive challenges. The nation is fully dedicated to a people-centered, digitally enabled, and inclusive approach to development, ensuring that no one is left behind.
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