What did President Patrick Herminie of Seychelles say at the UN General Assembly (UNGA 81)?

He addressed the general debate on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, as the eighth speaker of the afternoon session.

The speech in brief

• Other people’s wars. Shipping disruption hits tourism and fishing, Seychelles’ two lifelines.
• The seas. He called for freedom of navigation and help against piracy, drug trafficking and illegal fishing.
• Africa on the Council. At least two permanent seats, with the veto.
• Climate. He cited the International Court of Justice’s opinion to argue that climate finance and loss and damage are legal duties, and asked for debt relief.
• Fifty years. Seychelles marks 50 years of independence this year.

In his own words

Small and vulnerable states should never bear the collateral economic costs of conflicts in which they have no part.

“Seychelles is a friend to all, and an enemy to none.”

“Size does not define sovereignty, and geography does not diminish dignity.”

“Let us restore trust. Let us manage transformation. And together, let us build a United Nations that truly delivers for every nation and every human being.”

Worth knowing

• He took office in October 2025.

Watch and read the full speech

The UN’s own video of the whole Day 1 session:

Watch Day 1 of the UNGA 81 general debate on the UN’s YouTube channel

The UN posts the statement on its general debate website.

Every Day 1 speaker, in order: What happened on Day 1 of UNGA 81.