Reflecting on Our Journey as the Third Pillar of National Development
Dear Fellow Citizens, Member Organizations, and Partners,
As we celebrate this historic milestone of 50 years of independence, the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS) joins the nation in reflecting on a journey defined by resilience, unity, and shared progress. This golden jubilee is a profound moment to honor the collective contribution of the Seychellois people, brought to life through the enduring spirit and vital work of civil society.
Five Decades of Passionate Contribution
Throughout this entire evolution, civil society has contributed immensely to the development of Seychelles. When we look back at these 50 years, we are filled with deep pride for what our sector has achieved. This legacy was built by the hands of Seychellois men and women who stepped forward as volunteers, driven by pure passion and compassion for their fellow citizens. Their tireless, unpaid efforts across five decades have shaped our communities, offered comfort to the vulnerable, and laid the bricks for the modern Seychelles we celebrate today.
Since the formation of the creation of the Liaison Unit of Non-Governmental Organizations of Seychelles (LUNGOS) in 1989 and throughout this journey, civil society has acted as a vital partner in national development, consistently complimenting the work of the state. We have served as a bridge connecting high-level policy to the actual needs of people on the ground, a watchdog for transparency, and a megaphone for the vulnerable.
The true impact of our 50-year journey is measured in the countless lives we have touched across every district of Seychelles, where civil society has consistently been at the forefront of human capital development. We have taken unskilled individuals and provided them with the tools, training, and upskilling necessary to build dignified livelihoods, while implementing numerous empowerment programs and knowledge-sharing sessions that continue to uplift our citizens to this very day. Through these efforts, we have fostered a vibrant culture of voluntary participation, as celebrated under Article 23 of our Constitution, giving citizens the direct agency and power to lift their own communities.
Beyond social welfare, civil society delivers an immense, quantifiable contribution to the national economy across diverse thematic sectors. From pioneer environmental conservation initiatives and managing blue economy grants to driving grassroots entrepreneurship, health advocacy, and democratic oversight, the third sector is an economic and social engine that helps sustain the Seychelles.
As we look toward the next 50 years, CEPS reaffirms its commitment to the highest standard of governance, professional integrity, and transparency. Our future lies in a transformative, “do-it-together” model of leadership where Civil Society, the Government and the Private sector work in perfect synchrony to serve our country.
True nation-building relies on collaborative power. As we celebrate our independence, let us remember that “Governance is not about power over others; it is about power with others to achieve a common goal.”
Happy 50th Independence Day to all Seychellois!
Dr. Odile De Comarmond
CEPS Chairperson