French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to New Caledonia from July 24 to July 26, 2023, as part of his tour in Oceania. During the second leg of his visit to New Caledonia, President Macron focused on addressing the challenges faced by the people of the region.
Ceremony of Military Honors President Macron began his visit by participating in a ceremony of military honors at the Bir-Hakeim Square in Nouméa to commemorate those who lost their lives for France. The ceremony was marked by the flyover of two Rafale aircraft from the PEGASE 23 mission, which enables the deployment of around twenty aircraft from metropolitan France to the territories of the Indo-Pacific.
Ceremony at the Customary Senate Following the military honors, President Macron visited the Customary Senate, where he paid his respects to the representatives of the Kanak people. The Customary Senate, established by the Organic Law of March 19, 1999, after the Nouméa Accord of May 5, 1998, is composed of 16 members appointed for five years. It represents Kanak customs in the institutions of New Caledonia and serves as the guardian and defender of Kanak identity.
In his address to the Customary Senate, President Macron expressed his deep respect for the customary authorities and engaged in discussions with them in the Senate’s chamber.
Focus on Youth through Engagement and Vocational Training In continuation of his visit, President Macron attended the “Youth and Engagement Day” at the Tjibaou Cultural Center. This year’s theme was “Engaged for Tomorrow.”
At the event, President Macron interacted with the young participants, organizers, and exhibitors, discussing their experiences and aspirations. He emphasized the significance of youth engagement and vocational training as essential elements for New Caledonia’s future.
The President acknowledged the diverse paths taken by the youth and highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for them to build their futures. He commended the efforts of various organizations, including the armed forces, in supporting the youth through initiatives such as the Civil Service, the National University Service, and associations.
President Macron reiterated the commitment to give young people a clear perspective and make them central to the collective project for New Caledonia. He stressed the need to build a strong and inclusive future, addressing challenges such as climate change, economic opportunities, social inequalities, and violence.
The visit of President Emmanuel Macron to New Caledonia exemplifies France’s dedication to engaging with the region and finding solutions to the pressing issues faced by the people of New Caledonia.
https://www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-macron/2023/07/25/deplacement-en-nouvelle-caledonie-deuxieme-etape