Can you walk us through the moment President Emmanuel Macron called you on stage? How did it feel, and what was going through your mind at that time?
It was completely unexpected. Just minutes earlier, I was surrounded by Mauritian and French leaders, reconnecting after nearly three months away from Mauritius, which already felt meaningful in itself. Seeing Philippe and Gilbert there made the moment even more meaningful; it felt like being reunited.
When President Macron called me on stage, I felt humbled, proud, and very present. A part of me was thinking about the significance of this moment for Mauritius and France and for the youth we work with – and another part of me, honestly, was just hoping not to trip over the red barrier I had to climb to reach the stage in front of journalists and officials. Let’s say pride and balance were working together that day !
Your design was selected as the official visual identity for the inauguration of the new French Embassy. What inspired this illustration, and what message were you hoping to convey?
The artwork that I created represents two beautiful French and Mauritian women facing each other, illustrated in a modern, street-art inspired style. It symbolises dialogue, connection and the friendship between our two countries : two cultures looking at each other with respect, support and shared future.
This project is also personal to me. I was born in France, I am proud of my French roots, and I have Mauritian ancestry. My son was born in Mauritius, so a part of my heart will always belong here. Seeing this artwork chosen for such a significant diplomatic moment was deeply meaningful. It felt like a bridge, not only between France and Mauritius, but also between heritage, identity and the creative energy of today.
This recognition happened during a historic diplomatic visit. What does it mean to you personally to have your work acknowledged in such a significant setting?
I felt grateful. Moments like this don’t happen every day, and I received it with humility. Many people contribute to cultural exchange between our countries, and I’m honored to be one small thread in that larger tapestry.
I’m thankful to the teams and partners who trusted my work, may it be artistic or professional, and to the Mauritian and French communities who welcomed it with such warmth. It was a shared moment, not an individual one.
President Macron also visited the AI4GOOD Festival, which you founded. What was your reaction to seeing him spend over an hour engaging with the youth participants?
I was truly moved. His presence sent a strong message to our young Mauritian talents:
Your ideas matter. Your future matters. And you have a role to play in the global conversation around AI.
Watching him listen to students and discover their projects with such interest was a proud moment for everyone involved. Catherine Paya, Country Director for AI4GOOD Festival in Mauritius and our First Ambassador, has done an incredible job in this edition with the support of teachers, schools, parents and sponsors.
Why do you believe youth, culture, and ethical AI should be central to conversations about the future in Mauritius and globally?
Because technology without culture is empty, and progress without youth is incomplete.
We are entering a world where the line between real and artificial content is becoming increasingly blurred. Young people must be prepared to create with AI responsibly, to think critically, and to protect cultural memory while innovating. This is key to ensuring AI brings opportunity, not inequality.
The AI4GOOD Festival has grown beyond Mauritius and is now active in several countries. What are your ambitions for 2026 and beyond?
Our goal is that no young person remains a spectator in the age of AI.
We are expanding into more countries, developing an online learning platform, and building a certification for AI literacy and ethics. The vision is to empower hundreds of thousands of youth to create, question, and innovate with technology. We want Mauritius to remain a leader in this global movement.
What message would you like to share with the Mauritian public, partners, and young people following this experience?
Mauritius has every reason to believe in its youth. The creativity, empathy, and intelligence I see every day give me tremendous hope.
To our partners: thank you for believing in this vision.
To our young creators: keep telling your stories, keep learning, keep daring.
The future of AI does not need more machines : it needs more humans like you!
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