Government officials embrace systems thinking and strategic foresight |20 February 2024

Minister Hassan addressing the delegates (Photos: Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade)

A group of government officials are taking part in a three-day workshop aimed at refining internal policies and coordination strategies, to align them with the priorities of the national development strategy and sustainable development goals.

The workshop under the theme ‘Foresight and Systems Thinking for Strategic Planning and Financing for Sustainable Development Goals in Seychelles’ is taking place at Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, Beau Vallon.

It is being run by the United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) through its division for public institutions and digital government and its Financing for Sustainable Office (FFSDO) in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

The primary objective of this seminar is to contribute to a more coherent, participatory, prioritised and evidence-based governance framework in support of the planning and implementation of Seychelles’ National Development Strategy, including its financing strategy. It aims at increasing the country’s resilience and inclusive sustainable development.

It was the Minister for Finance, National Planning and Trade, Naadir Hassan who set the tone with an impassioned opening speech describing the workshop as a “journey of knowledge, transformation and innovation,” adding it was also a significant milestone in their collective pursuit of a “more adaptive, responsive, and visionary governance framework.”

“This workshop is indeed in line with the government’s commitment to continue to enhance and boost service delivery in the public sector, by continuing to invest in public servants,” stated Minister Hassan.

“It is thus, why today, we gather with a shared vision to reinvigorate and refine our internal policies and coordination strategies, aligning them with the priorities of the national development strategy and sustainable development goals,” said Minister Hassan who added that the workshop was not just a formality but a commitment to empower officials from line ministries, “equipping them with the skills to navigate the intricacies of planning and budgeting.”

“By embracing systems thinking and strategic foresight, our aim is to fortify collaboration across ministries for more effective resource allocation and short- to long-term planning. Let’s not see this just as a gathering of individuals; it is a convergence of minds committed to catalysing positive change,” added Minister Hassan, who also thanked both the UNDESA and UNITAR for their support.

Speaking to Seychelles NATION, senior economist Mariana Laporte explained that the capacity-building training follows another one by UNDESA and UNITAR for staff of the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade.

“This workshop is promoting coordination and collaboration and ensuring that resources are effectively used and allocated efficiently,” said Ms Laporte.

She said it will help other ministries to realise that the policies they come up with could have an impact on another stakeholder in government. Moreover, to ensure that they use their resources proficiently and according to their priorities and to identify risks and how to manage them.

A representative from UNITAR, Elena Proden said their objective was to promote a more integrated approach to strategic planning where different ministries could better collaborate with each other.

For her part, Veronique Verbruggen of UNDESA added that they were in Seychelles to understand and provide support and ensure there was progress in the achievements of sustainable development goals.

Anika Cathene