On the 28th of October 2021, the Republic of Seychelles celebrated its Expo 2020 National Day, knitting together an impressive line-up of musical artists performing at various locations across Expo.
Amongst the guests, was a delegation led by His Excellency, President Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles. Alongside the head of state were Seychelles Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde and other dignitaries. They were received and welcomed by Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
Welcoming the President and his delegation, Sheikh Nahayan said: "It’s a pleasure to celebrate the National Day of the Republic of Seychelles at Expo 2020. Seychelles stands as a leader in its own right in the biodiversity and conversation fields, showcasing to our visitors its various sustainable initiatives and sharing best practices in ocean conservation and environmental protection,"
"The Seychelles, through its pavilion, highlights its economic priorities in a unique way, including a Blue Zone to promote investments into the blue economy, while also shedding light on protected areas, such as the May Valley and a living laboratory, which showcases the world’s second-largest coral reef, the Aldabra" concluded the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
The Seychelles’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, His Excellency, Sylvestre Radegonde emphasised that the Expo would harness a spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and collaboration.
“Our participation in this Expo provides us with an outstanding exposure on the world stage and we intend to make the most of it. The immense value that it offers will provide increased inspiration, motivation and a renewed sense of commitment to all concerned in our nation’s determination to safeguard the extraordinary legacy of our islands for future generations” he concluded.
Guests were thrilled by a cultural performance showcasing the beauty of the islands in the Seychelles, with music, dance and glamour.
The Seychelles Pavilion is found at the Sustainability District, designed as a treasure hunt that showcases the country’s natural beauty, its history of the 115 islands and the steps being taken to safeguard them. The pavilion also gives visitors the chance to take part in their preservation.
In its design, visitors will be left with a sense of obligation in valuing nature, and draws from Seychellois lost treasure myths and treasure hunting culture, with various treasures to be found in the pavilion. The Seychelles Pavilion also features in the Beneath the Blue Expo 2020 Journey, which illustrates new approaches putting innovation at the heart of marine conservation, something that features prominently.
