Achieving Seychelles National Development Strategy: The Benefits of an Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) Training Workshop: Training of Trainers (TOT)

MS. SHARI SPIEGEL OPENING REMARKS 

BACKGROUND                                                                            

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) Financing for Small Island Developing States (FINS) initiative addresses the unique vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) by enhancing their capacity to mobilize financing aligned with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative supports SIDS through Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs). An INFF helps countries strengthen planning processes and overcome existing impediments to financing sustainable development at the country level.  

The Seychelles National Development Strategy (NDS) 2024-2028 outlines the country's strategic plan to achieve sustainable development, economic diversification, and resilience in the face of global challenges. Building on the previous strategy and aligning with Vision 2033, the NDS identifies six priority areas: (1) modernizing public services; (2) implementing a transformative economic agenda; (3) improving public health; (4) enhancing law and order; (5) modernizing education; and (6) promoting environmental sustainability and climate change resilience. The strategy emphasizes the importance of partnerships, the role of technology, and the need for reforms in key socioeconomic sectors to ensure efficient public service delivery, economic growth, and environmental conservation. The NDS also addresses structural challenges, such as the informal economy, funding gaps for climate change adaptation, and the demographic dynamics that affect long-term social and economic stability.

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

The overall aim of the INFF Training Workshop, scheduled for 4-7 February 2025, is to help officials of the Seychelles government understand how INFFs can help achieve national priorities set in the NDS. In particular, the workshop aims to:

1. Provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of an INFF and its four building blocks: assessment and diagnostics, financing strategy, monitoring and evaluation and governance and coordination.
2. Ensure participants can apply the concepts and tools in their day-to-day responsibilities.
3. Formulate an action plan on INFF application for the achievement of the NDS.

BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS

INFF GUIDANCE:

• Inception phase
• Assessment and diagnostics
• Financing strategy
• Monitoring and review
• Governance and coordination

INFF DEEP DIVES:

• Budget Credibility and INFFs
• INFFs and Agriculture Finance
• INFFs and Climate Finance
• INFFs and Development Cooperation
• INFFs for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
• INFFs and Education
• INFFs and Health Finance
• INFFs and Infrastructure Financing
• INFFs and Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
• INFFs and Leave No One Behind (LNOB)
• INFFs and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

SEYCHELLES KEY DOCUMENTS:

SEYCHELLES NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2024 - 2028