Africa-Press – Mauritius. The winners and runners-up of two age groups, minors (12-17) and youth (18-25), of the SDG Youth Photo Competition entitled “Narrating the Sustainable Development Goals through the Eyes of the Youth” were rewarded, last evening, during a prize-giving ceremony at the Caudan Arts Centre Port Louis.
The joint initiative of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Mauritius and Business Mauritius, was sponsored by State Bank Mauritius and Rogers Group.
The Senior Adviser of the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mr H. B. Dansinghani; the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms.
C. N. Umutoni; the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Mauritius, Dr Alya’a Samir Borhan; the Chief Executive Officer of Business Mauritius, Mr. K. Ramkaloan; and other personalities were present.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, Mr Dansinghani lauded the works of all the participants and congratulated the winners.
The objective of the contest, he said, was to raise young people’s awareness on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), illustrate to young people the relevance of the SDGs in their lives as well as mobilise the youth to reflect how the SDGs can enhance their future.
The masterpieces of the participants demonstrate the ability of the youth to come up with new ideas and be the key drivers for their successful implementation in future, Mr Dansinghani added.
As for Ambassador Umutoni, she recalled that the SDGs form the cornerstone of the works of the UN that necessitates the collaboration of member countries to end poverty, improve health and education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth while tackling climate change and working for a sustainable global partnership.
She further stated that involvement in arts and culture empowers young people to get their voices heard through their works and encourage people to look at challenging issues in a different way, igniting imaginative and innovative solutions.
The youth, she underscored, have the driving force to enable the UN realise the 17 goals through their voices, hence the need to encourage the youth to participate in similar activities,
For his part, Mr. Ramkaloan spoke on the need to involve the youth in a productive economy in the advent of latest technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. He also advocated for strong guidelines in businesses, promote employees empowerment as well as work for a more sustainable environment.
‘Business Mauritius is committed to work on five main SDGs namely energy transition; circular economy; preservation of marine and land biodiversity; vibrant community and inclusive development’, he added.
Winners of SDG Youth Photo Competition Minor category 1st Prize – Muhammad Hashim Kheedeer 2nd Prize – Camille Wiehe 3rd Prize – Cooper Preston Youth category
1st Prize – Anoja Lumi Devi Appadoo
2nd Prize – Luiciano Fils Roussety
3rd Prize – Nadia Ruttun ; Jhasvee Koodoye ; Divya Luchmiah ; Davishtee Ramalingum ; Souvina Ramsaran ; Jeshinee Sabapathee ; and Bhavna Bholah The first, second, and third winners of each age category received a cash prize of Rs 50 000, Rs 30 000 and Rs 20 000 respectively.
The top ten winners for each age category also received the following: an organised visit from Rogers Group to Bel-Ombre Biosphere to showcase various SDGs, including the Yellow Submarine (Goals 4, 14 &17), Bis Lamer at CBeach (Goals 4, 14), World of Seashell Visit (SDG 14), giveaway of local produce from Agria (SDG 12), glass bottom session (SDG 14), rehabilitation of River Jacotet where each young person will plant a tree (SDG 15) and visit to Feypalmis (SDG 12).
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