Seychelles Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Minister Barry Faure has used the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda to push for stronger partnerships among small states, greater investment in human capital and improved access to specialised skills.
Faure addressed the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States (CMMSS) on 1 November 2026, congratulating Antigua and Barbuda on successfully hosting CHOGM 2026 and recognising the achievement as particularly significant for a small island state.
He also congratulated the meeting’s chair on resuming the chairmanship.
During his address, Faure spoke about the importance of developing human capital as a driver of national progress, pointing to the difficulties small states face in recruiting and retaining professionals with specialised skills and expertise.
He said Seychelles regarded engagement with its diaspora as an important part of addressing these challenges. The country is working with development partners to create opportunities for Seychellois citizens to gain professional experience overseas, develop specialised skills and apply that knowledge towards national development.
Faure invited Commonwealth representatives to attend a ministerial meeting on talent circulation hosted by Seychelles on 2 November 2026 in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
The gathering is intended to provide a platform for countries to exchange experiences and discuss how diaspora engagement can contribute to development, particularly through the movement of skills and professional expertise between countries.
The wider ministerial meeting considered the theme, “Scaling-up Partnerships and Investment for Resilient Small States.”
Member States discussed the difficulties confronting smaller economies, including the growing effects of climate change and limited access to financing. They also examined ways to build mutually beneficial partnerships that can strengthen resilience and support sustainable development.
Faure meets Saudi WHO candidate
Separately, Faure met Dr Hanan Balkhy, Saudi Arabia’s candidate for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), on the sidelines of CHOGM 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Balkhy to present her vision and priorities for the global health organisation should she be elected to the position.
She also outlined her professional background and experience within the WHO, including her work as the organisation’s Regional Director.
Drawing on that experience, Balkhy discussed efforts to support Member States, particularly countries facing armed conflict and humanitarian emergencies.
She also spoke about the need to strengthen international preparedness and response systems to deal with disease outbreaks and emerging public health threats.
The discussions considered the healthcare needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including the particular vulnerabilities that affect their ability to deliver reliable and accessible health services.
Among the areas explored were opportunities for pooled procurement of medicines, support for health innovation, faster digital transformation of healthcare systems and stronger partnerships to assist Member States.
Leave a comment