, although time - consuming, is vital to ensuring that our work will bring ongoing benefits not only for our organization, but for the country as a whole. the strategic planning process has actively sought the input of everyone across the central bank, cognizant of the fact that an effective consultation process establishes the solid foundation for the success of the plan over the coming years. we went through a bottom - up planning process, engaging in discussions with all staff of each division and unit to formulate departmental plans. the board then joined the management team to set expectations and provide guidance on the formulation of this important document. i would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the team involved in the consultations, discussions and drafting of the plan, who have ensured that we have a document that serves as a roadmap that will guide our endeavours over the next five years. on this note, i would like to also thank and convey my appreciation to board director, professor william ogara, and the second deputy governor, ms jenifer sullivan, for spearheading the process, ever since we embarked on the strategic review exercise over a year ago. as governor of the central bank, i look forward to the ongoing commitment and professionalism of all staff to continue upholding the credibility of our institution and to achieve the strategic objectives set out in the plan. i also look forward to building on the good collaboration that we have with all our stakeholders represented here today, in taking this plan forward. on this note, i am pleased to announce the official launch of the strategic plan 2019 – 2023 of the central bank of seychelles. thank you.

. many challenges were encountered as the project was rolled out in a shorter timeframe than we normally would, but appropriate steps were taken to ensure 1 / 2 bis - central bankers'speeches its secured implementation. this hybrid model of work is still being implemented, and may remain long term. other initiatives have also been undertaken as we move to modernise our systems and processes. notably, in the third quarter of 2022, we awarded a contract to a firm for cyber forensic services and incident response plan. in addition, at the end of last year, we completed migration to the hyperconverged infrastructure, for which we are currently seeing significant benefits, primarily high availability of the system, prompt deployment of critical security updates and a downward trend in electricity expenses. leading to this event, we have also availed cloud communication technology with appropriate features for such meetings. the ict subcommittee is one of the ccbg cross - cutting enablers whose focus is to support sadc central banks to enhance communication, interaction, and integration. while i have emphasised cyber security, there are other technology risks and opportunities that are evolving in central banking, for which this committee, in particular, has an important role. i believe this meeting will be an opportune time for you ict and business continuity leaders to reflect and address these critical matters, as you strategise on achieving our common goals for the future. another risk that seychelles being a small island state is a strong advocate of since it threatens our existence, is climate change. i want to take this opportunity, on behalf of the central bank of seychelles, to express solidarity with the countries in southern africa affected by the recent floods. on this note, i wish you all successful and fruitful deliberations and hope you make the most of this opportunity for networking and peer - to - peer learning. to our foreign guests, i want to wish you an enjoyable stay on our beautiful shores, as you experience our creole hospitality. thank you very much! merci beaucoup! muito obrigado! 2 / 2 bis - central bankers'speeches