Vice President Sebastien Pillay chaired a scheduled Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 21 January, during which several legal and policy memoranda were approved.Cabinet agreed to establish a Youth Empowerment Council aimed at strengthening youth participation in national decision-making. The Council will provide a representative platform for young people to advise the Government on youth-related policies and programmes. It will also promote youth leadership and inclusion, while improving engagement between the Government and young people.
In addition, Cabinet approved the creation of a Culture Reform Council as a temporary advisory body to guide reforms in the cultural sector. The move aligns with the President’s 100-day commitments. The Council will operate for two years and focus on setting strategic priorities for culture, advising on policy and investment, protecting national traditions, and supporting sustainable funding for cultural practitioners. The President will appoint its members.
Meanwhile, Cabinet approved plans for Seychelles to host the First Global Annual Conference of the GEF-8 Blue and Green Islands Integrated Programme from 4 to 9 May 2026. The conference will bring together Small Island Developing States, Global Environment Facility agencies and partners to share knowledge, strengthen coordination and promote nature-positive development. It will also provide a platform to showcase Seychelles’ work in climate action, biodiversity conservation and the Blue and Green Economy.
Cabinet also approved a new organisational structure for the Ministry of Employment and Human Resource Planning. The Ministry will be restructured into two departments to improve delivery on government priorities under the 100-Day Social Contract. The changes aim to strengthen job creation for vulnerable groups, improve national human resource planning, ensure labour law compliance and enhance service delivery. The restructuring also seeks to address labour market challenges, including skills mismatch and youth unemployment.
Furthermore, Cabinet approved the engagement of an international technical partner to review salaries, allowances and benefits across both the public and private sectors. The review forms part of the Government’s 100-day commitment to reduce income inequality and improve the GINI coefficient. It is expected to deliver evidence-based and fiscally sustainable recommendations to guide decisions on remuneration.
Cabinet also approved the restructuring of the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency to improve communication, reporting and the delivery of infrastructure projects. The changes include the creation of a Deputy Chief Executive Officer position, the appointment of Lead Project Managers as primary contact points for ministries, and strengthened oversight of projects on Praslin and La Digue to improve accountability.
Finally, Cabinet approved the submission of Seychelles’ National Report for the Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. The decision reaffirms the Government’s commitment to human rights. Cabinet noted the consultations held and the reforms made since the last review, and authorised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora to submit the report to the United Nations Human Rights Council.