The Regional Annual High-Level Stakeholders Symposium, has opened under the theme “Strengthening inclusive regional integration through enhanced people-centred partnerships toward a successful RISDP 2020–2030, operationalisation of the SADC mechanism for engagement with Non-State Actors (NSAs), and AfCFTA implementation.”
The opening ceremony took place this Monday, 20th April, at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel.
Convened by the Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (SAF-CNGO), the symposium brings together representatives from its 16 member countries, as well as key stakeholders from civil society, government, and regional institutions. The platform aims to strengthen collaboration, promote inclusive dialogue, and advance people-centred regional integration.
The Seychelles is being represented by a delegation comprising of CEPS Board members and Secretariat staff, alongside non-governmental organisations whose focus are on democracy, climate change, socio-economic development, and trade. The participants go beyond CEPS membership to include the wider civil society sector of Seychelles.
The opening plenary featured remarks from the SAF-CNGO Executive Director, the CEPS Chairperson, Dr. Odile Decomarmond, the SAF-CNGO President, and Seychelles government representative Mr. Alvin Laurence, Secretary of State for Poverty Alleviation. Their remarks underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships and advancing inclusive, people-centred approaches to regional development.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in discussions reflecting key regional priorities, including the implementation of the RISDP 2020–2030, regional integration mechanisms, and broader socio-economic challenges. A dedicated session on the Seychelles’ system of governance provided insight into national institutional frameworks and democratic processes.
Discussions also addressed cross-cutting issues such as governance, accountability, corruption, gender dynamics, and public debt, highlighting the importance of inclusive and transparent systems in achieving sustainable development.
A key highlight was the contribution of Mr. Alvin Laurence, who, in his former capacity as CEO of CEPS, shared reflections on strengthening citizen engagement in legislative and parliamentary processes, drawing from the Seychelles experience.
The three-day symposium will continue to explore regional priorities, strengthen cooperation among SAF-CNGO member countries, and promote the effective participation of Non-State Actors in regional development processes.
The Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (SAf‑CNGO) serves as the regional umbrella body for civil society across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The platform brings together and represents the national NGO associations of Angola, Botswana, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. SAf‑CNGO exist to strengthen collaboration, amplify civil society voices, and support coordinated advocacy across Southern Africa.