Vision 2050 – Jyoti Jeetun: "Mauritius can no longer afford to wait for crises"
The Vision 2050 regional consultations are continuing at a steady pace. Following the initial stages of the participatory process initiated by the Ministry of Financial Services and Economic Planning in various regions of the island, the collective discussion has moved to the capital, held at the Sir Harilal Vaghjee Hall, attracting over a hundred participants. For three hours, representatives from various socioeconomic sectors of the capital engaged in dialogue, including business leaders, SMEs, publication representatives, media members, students, young professionals, NGOs, sports and religious associations, and seniors from nearby neighborhoods (Cité Vallijee, Roche-Bois, and surrounding areas). Together, they envisioned the future of the country for the next 25 years.
The pace is intentional: fast, yet thorough. In these regional consultation sessions, citizens are genuinely participating in the Vision 2050 discourse, the national development plan aimed for 2050. Vigorous debates, innovative ideas, and passionate exchanges characterized these meetings, with a shared belief that Vision 2050 is not merely a technocratic exercise. "It is the future of young Mauritians that is at stake," emphasized Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning.
The quality of the exchanges matched the stakes involved: robust discussions, innovative ideas, and a shared conviction that Vision 2050 is not just another technocratic exercise – it is indeed the future of young Mauritians. "What is happening in the world today candidly reminds us that Mauritius remains a small, exposed country. We cannot afford to wait for a crisis to catch up with us before we act. Our demographics are declining. We are losing talent. Our energy dependence remains unresolved. These are realities that already weigh heavily on our businesses and families. Vision 2050 is about confronting these challenges head-on and preparing for them. My ambition is simple: to build, with the Mauritians, a stronger, fairer economy where everyone has a place and a role to play."
Participants praised the open format of the consultations, which allows citizens to contribute directly to national strategic thinking without the usual filters. "It makes me happy to see that our voices, along with those of the youth, are being considered for the future of Mauritius," noted Noremubeen Oozeerally, a 12th-grade student at Royal College of Port Louis and a resident of Terre Rouge. For Matthew Lauricourt, a 13th grader at London College, "it is the first time I’ve been able to express my opinion on a decision that concerns my future and the future of Mauritius. The exercise was very inclusive and educational — it provided me with a clearer insight into the situation in Mauritius."
Among the participants were also Aslam Hossenally, the Lord Mayor of Port Louis, Ariane Navarre Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, and Osman Mahomed, Minister of Transport.
A Fully Engaged Youth
Officials from the Ministry of Economic Planning guided discussions around the three pillars of Vision 2050: prosperity, inclusion, and sustainability. The discussions covered several strategic axes central to the national development plan. A notable aspect of this eighth stage of regional consultations was that the youth led the discussions at each table, showing an energy and conviction that pleasantly surprised the organizers. A strong signal: Vision 2050 concerns them, and they are fully aware of it.
The topics discussed reflected remarkable diversity: thinking big for Mauritius, strengthening the rule of law, addressing drug issues through rehabilitation, improving educational infrastructure, enhancing resilience to climate change through suitable infrastructure (rainwater management, green buildings, sustainable urban development...), creating more spaces for debate and citizen participation, promoting discipline as a collective value, and rethinking urban planning in Port Louis to restore coherence, identity, and vitality to the city.
The youth also candidly addressed two major issues: immigration and housing, as well as the aging of the Mauritian population. On the latter point, they not only identified the problem — they also proposed solutions. New and sometimes unexpected ideas enriched the discussions, reminding everyone that innovation in collective thinking can come from those who have not yet been consulted.
Regional consultations will continue across the country. Residents and other stakeholders in each district will have the opportunity to participate in this collective planning exercise. The next session will take place on Friday, March 27, in the Grand Port district.
Contributions can also be submitted online through the dedicated Vision 2050 platform at the link vision2050.govmu.org
