LocationsOver 500 visitors attended the event to explore UNDP’s work and its ongoing partnership with the Republic of Mauritius.
UNDP Open Day - Celebrating Partnership and Progress
August 23, 2025
The UNDP Open Day successfully brought together government officials and development partners to highlight UNDP’s contributions to sustainable development in Mauritius
Charles Michael @ UNDP Mauritius
On Thursday, 21 August 2025, UNDP Mauritius hosted a vibrant Open Day at Cafe du Vieux Conseil, Port Louis. It was an opportunity to celebrate 60 years since the establishment of UNDP and 51 years of partnership with the Republic of Mauritius following the signature of the Standard Basic Assistance Agreement in August 1974. The event brought together over 500 visitors, including ministers and junior ministers, over 200 students, civil society representatives, development partners, and members of the public.
Visitors were invited to explore thematic booths showcasing UNDP’s wide-ranging collaboration in environmental protection, climate resilience and digital transformation in the Republic of Mauritius. The event was also an opportunity for the general public to engage directly with UNDP staff and implementing partners. On this occasion, UNDP partners such as the Central Electricity Board and MARENA raised awareness on renewable energy solutions, while NGOs Reef Conservation and EcoSud highlighted their work on coral restoration in Blue Bay Marine Park. UNDP-GEF Small Grants Programme grantees also displayed locally made products, illustrating community-driven approaches to sustainability. In the area of socio-economic resilience, the Mauritius Police Force raised awareness on gender-based violence prevention, while Business Mauritius and the National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NPCC) promoted digital transformation initiatives for SMEs.
Visitors, including school children, also explored an exhibition featuring UNDP’s archives and project photography, tracing decades of partnership and impact in Mauritius. They further engaged with an interactive Virtual Reality station, which immersed them in 360° videos showcasing UNDP initiatives such as renewable energy development in Agalega and coral reef restoration efforts in Blue Bay Marine Park.
The event also included two expert-led panel discussions. The first session emphasized the need for cross-sector collaboration to protect ecosystems, restore degraded environments and build resilience. The second focused on human development and gender equality, highlighting that despite Mauritius’ high HDI ranking, inequalities in income and gender persist.
Defining Development Through Partnership
During the opening ceremony, Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles said that the Open Day was an opportunity to “share the story of UNDP in Mauritius with the public, show how much has been achieved together and how development can and must evolve with time, need and opportunity.” She also thanked the Government of Mauritius and all development partners for their support during the past five decades.
The Honourable Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade highlighted that “this Open Day is not only a reflection of history, but also a story of resilience, transformation and above all, partnership.” He also extended appreciation to UNDP for its support on key national priorities, including digital transformation, inclusive growth, and building resilience to global shocks.
The Open Day reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to strengthen this long-standing partnership with the people and Government of Mauritius. Under the new Country Programme Document 2024-2028, the organization will continue to support initiatives towards inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development for all.
MORE PHOTOS OF THE EVENT HERE