Mauritius: “We have to build on resilience to tackle development issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, grounding of the MV Wakashio, food crisis, and gender-based violence”, stated the outgoing United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Mauritius and Seychelles, said Ms Christine N. Umutoni.
She was speaking during a farewell call on the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, today at the State House in Réduit.
The UN Resident Coordinator pointed out that during her five years of tenure, she has observed the ways Mauritius has proved to be a resilient nation and has braved numerous challenges.
Speaking on the commitment of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, she underlined that it coordinates the works of the World Health Organisation, United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
She also spoke of the cooperation framework between the UN and the Government of Mauritius established in 2019. “The collaboration of public and private partners, non-governmental organisations, and civil society have been essential in building resilience to combat the challenges that the country is facing”, she added.
Mrs Umutoni reiterated the UN’s support to Mauritius while expressing her confidence that the country will work stronger towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals, thereby boosting the economy and building on previous achievements.