Everything must be ready for the arrival of the United Nations delegation in January. The government is striving to prepare the country so that the delegation feels welcome in Mauritius for the conference of the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS). The new conference centre in Pailles is more or less finished but tests remain to be done to ensure that the centre is fully operational.

The Prime Minister, Paul Bérenger, has chaired the first preparatory meeting with this in view. 337 delegates and heads of state will come to Mauritius for this special event. Because the conference doesn’t involve only heads of small islands but also delegates of the big powers all over the world. The United States, the European Union, China… All of them will send representatives to Mauritius.

The official conference will be held between the 10th and 14th of January but activities will start as from the 7th of January – the non-official but as important part of the conference. Many non-governmental organisations, artists and students will be at the Free Port – open to all – to discuss various subjects linked with these special events.

The new centre in Pailles is impressive both in terms of exterior and interior architecture. But the conference centre is also equipped with the latest technology, which makes it even more modern and practical.

The building is huge but nevertheless welcoming thanks to its warm colours and its light interior. Even the electric cables have been hidden underground. All has been done for the comfort of visitors. The main hall, in which the SIDS conference will be held, can accomodate 2,500 people sitting and 8,000 standing.