Samarkand: Seychelles reaffirmed its dedication to education, culture, and sustainable development at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 29 October to 14 November 2025. The Seychelles delegation, led by Ambassador Georges Tirant, Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Seychelles to UNESCO, joined global leaders and representatives for this historic session, the first in 40 years to be held outside UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
According to African Press Organization, the Conference was chaired by Bangladesh's Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Khondker M. Talha, and included UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, as well as Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia, and Peter Pellegrini of Slovakia, among others. As UNESCO's highest governing body, the General Conference adopted the Draft Programme and Budget for 2026-2029 and discussed key areas including education, sciences, culture, and communication.
In his address, Ambassador Tirant thanked UNESCO for adopting the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), describing it as vital for addressing the challenges of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He emphasised Seychelles ongoing commitment to good governance, transparency, and inclusive development under President Patrick Herminie.