Bureau International Des Expositions ( BIE)
Created in 1928, the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) is the intergovernmental organisation in charge of overseeing and regulating all international exhibitions (“Expos”) that last more than three weeks and are of non-commercial nature. Today, 4 types of Expos are organised under its auspices: World Expos, Specialised Expos, Horticultural Expos and the Triennale di Milano. Seychelles has been a member since 1997.
Commonwealth
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent sovereign states, majority being former territories of the British empire. They consulting and cooperating in the common interest of their people and promote of international understanding based on shared values and principles. Seychelles joined the Commonwealth following its Independence in 1976.
Preparatory Commision for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO)
The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) was set up in 1996 as an interim organization tasked with building up the verification regime of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), in preparation for the Treaty’s entry into force, as well as promoting the Treaty’s universality. Seychelles ratified the CTBT in 2004.
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) was established in October 1945, and is the oldest permanent specialised agency of the United Nations. It leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and standards of living by increasing agricultural productivity. Seychelles joined FAO on 14 November 1977. Dr. Charles Mbuli BOLIKO is the FAO Representative for Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles based in Madagascar.
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is funded and directed by 193 national governments to support their diplomacy and cooperation in air transport as signatory states to the Chicago Convention (1944). Its core function is to maintain an administrative and expert bureaucracy (the ICAO Secretariat) supporting these diplomatic interactions, and to research new air transport policy and standardization innovations as directed and endorsed by Governments through the ICAO Assembly. Seychelles became a contracting state to the Convention in 1977.
International Labour Organisations (ILO)
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is the international organization responsible for drawing up and overseeing international labour standards. It is the only “tripartite” United Nations agency that brings together representatives of Governments, employers and workers to jointly shape policies and programmes promoting decent work for all. Founded in 1919, the ILO became a UN specialized agency in 1946. Mr Coffi AGOSSOU, is the Country Director of the ILO Country Office based in Antananarivo for Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles.
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is a lead global intergovernmental agency for energy transformation that serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, supports countries in their energy transitions, and provides state of the art data and analyses on technology, innovation, policy, finance and investment. IRENA drives the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, and energy security, for economic and social resilience and prosperity and a climate-proof future. Seychelles joined in 2009.
Internatinal Telecommunicatuion Union (ITU)
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the UN specialized agency for information and communication technologies. Founded in 1865 to facilitate international connectivity in communications networks, it allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develops the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and strives to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide. Seychelles joined in September 1999.
Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group States (OACPS)
The Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (OACPS) is an international organisation established under the Revised Georgetown Agreement on 5th April 2020. The organisation was previously known as the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group (ACP), as established by the Georgetown Agreement in 1975. The organisation’s main objectives are the sustainable development of its member states and their gradual integration into the global economy; and coordinating their activities within the framework of its partnership agreement with the European Union and its member states. Seychelles has been a member since 1975.
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
The Organization for the prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention and it oversees the global endeavour to permanently and verifiably eliminate chemical weapons. It was established pursuant to Article VIII of the ‘Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction’ (CWC or Chemical Weapons Convention), done in Paris on 13 January 1993 and entered into force on 29 April 1997. Seychelles signed and ratified the CWC in 1993.
South Centre
The South Centre is the intergovernmental organization of developing countries that helps developing countries to combine their efforts and expertise to promote their common interests in the international arena. It was established by an Intergovernmental Agreement which came into force on 31 July 1995. The South Centre undertakes research and analysis oriented on various international policy areas that are relevant to the protection and promotion of the development interests of developing countries.
United Nations
The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organisation aiming to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations. Established in 1945, it is the world’s largest and most familiar international organisation. Seychelles became a member of the UN on 21st September 1976. Ms Lisa Simrique SINGH is the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, based in Mauritius.
United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)
First established in 1966 and transformed into a specialized UN agency in 1985, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has a unique mandate to promote and accelerate sustainable industrial development. UNIDO plays a crucial role in accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 9 – Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation, along with all other industry-related goals of the 2030 Agenda.
United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. UNWTO generates market knowledge, promotes competitive and sustainable tourism policies and instruments, fosters tourism education and training, and works to make tourism an effective tool for development through technical assistance projects in over 100 countries around the world. Seychelles gained admission in 1991.
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Established in 1874, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) is the second oldest international organization worldwide. It is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players and helps to ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services. It sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail, parcel and financial services volumes and improve quality of service for customers. Seychelles joined the UPI in 1977.
World Customs Organisation (WCO)
The World Customs Organization (WCO), established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC) is an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. Seychelles joined the WCO in 2000.
World Health Organisation (WHO)
Established in 1948, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is a specialised agency of the UN that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. Dr. Rex Gadama MPAZANJE is the WHO Representative for Seychelles, based in Seychelles.
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the global forum for intellectual property (IP) services, policy, information and cooperation. Seychelles joined WIPO in 2000.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the UN, dedicated to international cooperation and coordination on the state and behaviour of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the land and oceans, the weather and climate it produces, and the resulting distribution of water resources. It focuses on many different aspects and issues from observations, information exchange and research to weather forecasts and early warnings, from capacity development and monitoring of greenhouse gases to application services and much, much more. Seychelles became a member of WMO in February 1977.
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
Founded in 1924, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is an intergovernmental organization focusing on transparently disseminating information on animal diseases, and improving animal health globally for a safer, healthier and more sustainable world. WOAH (founded as Office International des Epizooties – OIE) is one of the standard-setting bodies recognized by the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.
The African Union (AU)
Successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the African Union is a Pan African organization whose goal is to propel a united continent towards peace and prosperity. Established in 2002, the AU is comprised of 55 member states on the African continent which aims to secure Africa’s democracy, human rights, and a sustainable economy, especially by bringing an end to intra-African conflict and creating an effective common market commonly known as the AfCFTA (the African Continental Free Trade Area). Seychelles joined the AU since its conception in 1976 and ratified the AfCFTA in July 2021.
Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) formerly known as the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) is a dynamic inter-governmental organisation, established in March 1997 aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States, 9 Dialogue Partners and 2 Observers. The Secretary-General is assisted in his responsibilities by 6 Directors, a Chair in Indian Ocean Studies (CIOS) and local staff from Mauritius.
The IORA has as one of its main objectives to promote the sustained growth and balanced development of the region and of the Member States, and to create common ground for regional economic cooperation. Seychelles joined IORA in March 1999, but withdrew in July 2003 due to financial and human resource constraints, and re-joined in November 2011 as the 19th member.
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa ( COMESA)
The origins of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) were the Preferential Trade Area for Eastern and Southern Africa (PTA), established in 1981 within the Framework of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Lagos Plan of Action and the Final Act of Lagos. The PTA was transformed into COMESA on 8th December 1994 in Lilongwe, Malawi. There are currently 21 member countries of COMESA.
COMESA’s Vision is to “be a fully integrated, internationally competitive regional economic community with high standards of living for all its people ready to merge into an African Economic Community” and its Mission is “to provide excellent technical services to COMESA in order to facilitate the region’s sustained development through economic integration”.
In September 1997, Seychelles acceded to the COMESA Treaty and subsequently ratified it in March 1998.
International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
Seychelles became a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1978. The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable shipping. The organization develops and implements global standards for maritime safety and security, as well as for the prevention of pollution from ships. It also provides technical assistance to countries in the development of their maritime sector.
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)
Seychelles became a member of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in 1977. The IHO is an intergovernmental organization that is dedicated to the promotion of safe navigation and the protection of the marine environment. It sets standards for hydrographic surveying and nautical charting, as well as for the collection, processing, and dissemination of hydrographic data.
Eastern Africa Stanby Force (EASF)
Seychelles joined the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) in 2008. The EASF is a regional organization that is responsible for promoting peace, security, and stability in Eastern Africa. It is a partnership of ten countries in the region, which work together to build a credible and effective military capability that can be deployed in support of peacekeeping and peace support operations.
Contact Group on Piracy off the coast of Somalia (CGPCS) now CGIMA
Seychelles joined the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) in 2009. The CGPCS was established in response to the growing threat of piracy in the waters off the coast of Somalia. It is a forum for countries, organizations, and industry stakeholders to coordinate their efforts to combat piracy, promote maritime security, and support the development of coastal communities in the region. The CGPCS was renamed as Contact Group on Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean (CGIMA) in 2020 to reflect its expanded mandate beyond piracy and terrorism.
International Seabed Authority (ISA)
Seychelles became a member of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in 1996. The ISA is an intergovernmental organization that is responsible for regulating deep-sea mining activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction. It was established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and is responsible for ensuring that the exploration and exploitation of the seabed are carried out in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and in accordance with the principles of the Convention.
United Nations Convention of the law of the Sea/International Tribunal fot the law of the Swea (UNCLOS/ITLOS)
Seychelles became a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982 and ratified it in 1995. UNCLOS is a treaty that establishes the legal framework for the use and protection of the world’s oceans and their resources. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) was established under UNCLOS to settle disputes between states concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention. Seychelles has accepted the jurisdiction of the ITLOS, and the country has participated in several cases before the Tribunal.
