UNDP Resident Representative Undertakes Accreditation Mission to Seychelles

This reflects UNDP’s continued dedication to work closely with the Government of Seychelles to advance inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development outcomes for all.

January 20, 2026

The Resident Representative paid a courtesy call on and formally presented her credentials to the Honourable Barry Faure, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, at his office in Mont Fleuri.

UNDP Seychelles / Sharon Sunassee

The UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms. Alka Bhatia, is currently undertaking her official accreditation mission to Seychelles from 17 to 24 January 2026, marking an important milestone in UNDP’s continued engagement with the Government and people of Seychelles.

On Tuesday, 20 January, Ms. Bhatia paid a courtesy call on and formally presented her credentials to the Honourable Barry Faure, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, at his office in Mont Fleuri. It was an opportunity to reaffirm reaffirmed UNDP’s strong commitment to supporting the Government of Seychelles in advancing their sustainable development agenda, in line with national priorities and the SDGs.

During the meeting, Ms. Bhatia presented UNDP’s programme in Seychelles, highlighting ongoing initiatives across the country and underscoring the importance of digitalization and innovative financing as key enablers of long-term, inclusive and resilient growth. Honourable Minister Faure welcomed Ms. Bhatia and reiterated the Government’s readiness to continue working closely with UNDP to deliver impactful development outcomes for the people of Seychelles.

Photograph of three people at a wooden meeting table, with flowers and green-curtained windows.

Strengthening partnerships in Seychelles

During her visit, the Resident Representative will pay courtesy calls on His Excellency Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles; Mr. Sebastien Pillay, Vice President, and Mrs. Veronique Herminie, First Lady of Seychelles. She will also meet with key line ministers, including the Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Natural Resources and the Minister for Finance, Trade and Economic Planning, to discuss ongoing projects and initiatives being implemented across the country. The mission will also include meetings with bilateral partners, the diplomatic corps and heads of UN agencies present in the country.

About the Resident Representative

Ms. Bhatia joined the UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles team in October 2025. She brings more than 35 years of leadership and expertise in poverty alleviation, trade, and sustainable development. She has served with UNDP since 2010, providing strategic policy advice to governments and UN Country Teams in Namibia, Lesotho, and Malawi. Throughout her career, she has been a trusted advisor on sustainable development, contributing to policy reform and strengthening international cooperation across diverse contexts.