On October 29, 2026, Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam led a meeting with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work directly with young people and vulnerable families. This gathering is part of a consultation process announced by the Prime Minister following recent unrest in the country. The goal is to understand the underlying factors that led to these events and the challenges faced by the population, particularly the youth.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Social Security Ashok Subron, Minister of Tourism Annabelle Savabaddy, and Rubna Daureeawoo, a member of parliament. The Prime Minister chose to start with NGOs because of their direct knowledge of the realities faced by young people and vulnerable families. Their experience is essential in identifying the difficulties encountered, factors of marginalization and exclusion, and potential gaps in existing support systems.
During the meeting, which lasted almost three hours, participants discussed various issues, including education, employment, poverty, mental health, addiction, domestic and sexual violence, discrimination, and social integration. The Prime Minister encouraged open and frank discussions, and the NGOs shared their insights and expertise. This first meeting will be followed by consultations with interfaith committees, ministries, parapublic organizations, and institutions, as well as the country's key stakeholders.
The contributions gathered during these consultations will help establish a precise state of affairs and determine intervention priorities. A calendar of implementation will be drawn up, with clearly defined deadlines, identified responsibilities, and measurable objectives. This calendar will serve as a roadmap, and its execution will be closely monitored. The government aims to ensure that this approach does not remain at the consultation stage but leads to concrete decisions, commitments, and verifiable results on the ground.
Through this process, the government intends to durably address vulnerability factors, strengthen prevention, and promote social and professional inclusion of young Mauritians. The goal is to provide young people with real future prospects and tackle the root causes of recent unrest. By working with NGOs and other stakeholders, the government hopes to develop effective solutions to the challenges faced by the population.
The meeting with NGOs marked the beginning of a broader consultation process aimed at finding lasting solutions to the country's social challenges. Further meetings will be held with various stakeholders to gather their input and expertise. The government has emphasized its commitment to translating this consultation process into tangible actions and results.
The outcome of these consultations will be crucial in shaping the government's strategy to address the country's social issues and promote sustainable development. The government's efforts to engage with various stakeholders and gather their input demonstrate its willingness to work collaboratively to find solutions to the challenges faced by Mauritius.
Key points
- The meeting was part of a consultation process announced by the Prime Minister following recent unrest in the country.
- The government aims to provide young people with real future prospects and tackle the root causes of recent unrest.
- A calendar of implementation will be drawn up, with clearly defined deadlines, identified responsibilities, and measurable objectives.
