The fourth edition of the IORA Nelson Mandela “Be the Legacy” Internship Programme (NMIP), held from 1 September to 30 November 2025 at the IORA Secretariat in Mauritius, welcomed Ms Rennie Mondon from the Republic of Seychelles, providing her with hands-on experience across IORA’s Directorates and fostering professional growth, regional cooperation, and capacity building.

During her three-month internship, Ms Mondon rotated through all five IORA Directorates namely Maritime Safety & Security, Disaster Risk Management, Trade and Investment Facilitation, Academic, Science & Technology Cooperation, Tourism & Cultural Exchange, Fisheries Management, Blue Economy and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Ms Mondon actively contributed to workshops, research initiatives, reports, and outreach activities, including a youth-focused presentation at Loreto College and participation in the International Symposium on Women’s Rights, Equality, and Empowerment.

The programme strengthened her professional skills, deepened her understanding of IORA’s operational framework, and enhanced her engagement with Member States and regional stakeholders. Through this experience, Ms Mondon gained practical knowledge to support IORA’s priorities, including maritime safety, trade and investment, blue economy, science and technology cooperation, tourism, and women’s economic empowerment.

The fourth edition of the NMIP highlights IORA’s ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in the Indian Ocean region. By bridging academic knowledge with professional experience, the internship builds capacity, fosters regional collaboration, and empowers young professionals to contribute effectively to sustainable development and cooperation across the Indian Ocean Rim.