Jeremy Raguin among chosen fellows from Aosis to study at the UN in New York |24 February 2022
Mr Raguin talking to our journalist Vidya Gappy (Photo: Thomas Meriton)
Jeremy Raguin is one among ten Fellows from the Alliance of Small Island States (Aosis) to undertake a year of education and diplomatic training at the United Nations in New York.
This with the aim of preparing them to become leaders in their countries on climate change, sustainable development and oceans.
This year Mr Raguin, the former Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) communication coordinator, has been selected to fly the Seychelles Flag to New York.
This world-class programme trains young career professionals to become the next generation of Aosis leaders and international negotiators.
The Fellows utilise the skills and knowledge gained during their fellowship for the rest of their careers, making them more effective and successful representatives and officers for their governments.
Speaking to the press, Mr Raguin shared that this course will help each participant to increase the capacity of Aosis member countries to engage in international negotiations, diplomacy, and international and domestic policy development on climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
“Before me there were three other Seychellois who benefitted from this programme and the plan is by January next year I will complete the fellowship. After that, I will look into the possibility of doing my Masters Degree,” said Mr Raguin.
For the last four years, Jeremy Raguin worked at the SIF as a project and communication and outreach officer. “I was able to connect with many young volunteers around the world and was able to connect with the Global Shapers Victoria Hub. Upon my return, I wish to put into application what I will be learning and will also be able to help my country in different negotiations at different forums.”
Mr Raguin said his focus will be in between maritime security and environment. “Unfortunately there are still illegal poaching happening and drug trafficking and with a Master in Environment Policies, I hope I will be able to help.”
As a youth, Mr Raguin notes that the country, albeit small, has a loud voice on the international scene. “We have to keep being serious and maintain our fights. We have to analyse where the post-secondary students are ending up. Do we have enough youth embracing a career in environment? We need to keep accompanying the youth and guiding them in choosing a career in environment,” noted Mr Raguin.
The Aosis has represented interests of 39 nations in the international climate change and sustainable development processes for 30 years. It is led by a rotating Chair – currently Antigua and Barbuda – who provides technical, political, legal and administrative support to the alliance, facilitates the advancement of common positions, and produces concrete results for small island developing states (Sids) under various multilateral processes.
To date, twenty-eight Fellows have participated in the Fellowship Programme. All of the Fellows that have completed the programme have continued to work on climate change and sustainable development issues, either at the United Nations in New York or in their home country. The Fellowship Programme has received tremendous praise from Aosis member country permanent representatives in New York, noting the benefits of increased capacity for their missions and engagement in international negotiations, both at the UNFCCC, as well as at the UNGA, particularly for resolutions related to climate change.
In light of the success of the Fellowship Programme thus far, to strengthen the cooperation between Italy and Aosis, and in light of lessons learned from its seven years of experience, several changes were made to the programme in the upcoming fellowship cycle. The curriculum will be expanded to cover not just climate change, but also topics related to environmental protection, oceans, and sustainable development. In addition, more enhanced training programmes and opportunities for the Fellows to develop expertise in particular areas that match their individual and national interests.
In order to further improve the capacity building of all Aosis member states and provide for the training of more young professionals, the Fellowship Programme will be expanded to accept ten Fellows per year.
Seychelles NATION wishes Jeremy Raguin all the best in the programme and waiting for him to come back to serve Seychelles soon!