United Nations in Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Samoa:

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09 April 2021

Samoa votes!

Polling was orderly and the queues good natured as Samoa began its day of national elections. Those who had voted already were proud to show off their purple thumbs – the result of indelible ink marked on those who have already gone to a polling station and voted - and a clear indication that someone has participated in a vital function of democratic governance. More than 128,000 Samoans are eligible to vote and voting is compulsory. There are 192 candidates standing, of whom 22 are women, contesting 51 seats for a five-year term in the legislative assembly. This election will see some changes to the electoral laws, which are aimed at improving transparency. Some of these changes include pre-polling for the elderly and disabled, and changes to the rules regarding political candidates transporting and feeding voters heading to the polls. Preliminary results of the election are likely to be announced tonight.

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10 February 2021

Drug use is a health issue – we need to decriminalize

Earlier this month, and in December 2020 the government conducted operations that resulted in the confiscation of a total of 1,400 grams of methamphetamine at the border, smuggled from the US. The law enforcement officials (from the Ministry of Customs and Revenue and the Ministry of Police and Prisons) that intercepted these drugs deserve congratulations for their professionalism and skill. Meth is destructive and harmful - and it is good to see this potential threat removed from the community. As small as this bust is by global standards, 1,400 grams in a couple of months is a record for Samoa (there were only two convictions for methamphetamine possession in Samoa in 2017). Perhaps it is inevitable that we will see an increase in seizures. As COVID-19 ravishes the economy and exacerbates inequality, some may look to less than legal means to supplement their dwindling incomes, and drug use is known to increase in communities facing economic hardship. Governments need to work to reduce drug consumption – especially with respect to more harmful substances like meth and opioids, which have devastated poor communities around the world. For example, there were more than 67,000 overdose deaths in the US alone in 2018. Thankfully, so far, Samoa has avoided this degree of harm. But while it is sometimes tempting to “crack down” (no pun intended) in the face of an emerging perceived threat, we must resist the urge to increase legal penalties. We should be decriminalizing drug use and possession. Drugs are a serious health and social issue, not a moral one. Reducing consumption requires a health and socially focused response, not moral panic. This must include carefully thought out laws that emphasize prevention, education and harm reduction. We need properly funded community based support services that help and protect vulnerable people, and assist them in escaping degrading and difficult circumstances. Stopping drug use will not be achieved through hastily drafted legislation that further criminalizes addiction. By discouraging the demand for drugs, we can actually be more effective in tackling drug trafficking and putting an end to the human suffering caused by increased consumption. This is not just my opinion – but the official policy of the United Nations, the Global Commission on Drug Policy, and multiple governments around the world. Canada, the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, and numerous Australian and US states are among the many jurisdictions that have embraced the global trend towards less repression of drug users. A recent example of this is New Zealand’s 2019 Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill, which gives police discretion to take a health-centred approach rather than prosecuting those in possession of drugs. Since its enactment in 1967, Samoa’s Narcotics Act has only been amended twice, in 2006 and 2009 respectively. An official report in 2017 says that these amendments “were inadequate to address the prevalence of drug-related issues in Samoa and the new developments in the evolving drug environment.” There is a clear need to reform Samoa’s ancient drug legislation, but we must reform in line with the best available evidence. Tougher prison sentences have not been shown to deter possession, reduce offending or diminish the social or health issues associated with drug use. They have only been shown to intensify and complicate these problems. Calling for decriminalization is by no means an endorsement of drug use – but an appeal to look towards the evidence. Samoa has been a willing participant in the global “war on drugs” – adopting the broken criminalization model for more than 50 years. (If you are fighting a “war” for more than five decades and you haven’t “won,” you need to reassess your strategy.) Prohibition has only succeeded in creating an illegal market ruled by violence, corruption and insecurity. Samoa must adopt better practices and distance itself from the failings of this ideologically-driven approach. Originally published as an op-ed by Simona Marinescu, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau - in the Samoa Observer - 10 February 2021.

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02 February 2021

UN will review Samoa’s human rights record this year

The Geneva based Human Rights Council will conduct its third “Universal Periodic Review” (UPR) of Samoa’s progress on protecting and enforcing human rights at a special meeting to be held later this year. The UPR is a routine process by which the Human Rights Council, (an intergovernmental body made up of 47 United Nations Member States elected by the UN General Assembly), cross-examines government officials on their rights record. Samoa’s third UPR will take place in November 2021 most likely via video link. A series of reports will be submitted to the Council including from the United Nations, the independent Human Rights Institution in the Office of the Ombudsman, the government, NGOs and civil society. These will detail the official and public perception of how human rights are enforced in the country – and where access to rights is lacking. The UN in Samoa is writing its report now, to be submitted by 25 March. Samoan individuals and organizations will also have an opportunity to submit to the Human Rights Council during this UPR find out how here. The reports and the review will reflect on progress made since the last UPR (in 2016) that made 129 recommendations. Ninety one (73 percent) of these recommendations were “supported” by the Government of Samoa, while 38 were “noted.” Additionally, the reports will highlight any emerging issues from the 2016 UPR that affected or have the potential to affect people’s full exercise of human rights. They will include an analysis of whether or not Samoa is aligned with international standards on human rights, and how well Samoa is doing in terms of protecting and enforcing the rights of children, women, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQI community as a result of the ratification of five major human rights treaties, including: The Universal Declaration on Human Rights The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights The Convention on the Rights of the Child The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Samoa’s Constitution guarantees certain fundamental human rights, including the right to life, personal liberty, a fair trial, religious freedom, freedom of speech, freedom from inhumane treatment, freedom from forced labour, freedom of assembly and free association, freedom of movement and residence, individual rights regarding property, and freedom from discriminatory legislation. However, while the country’s rights record is generally well respected on a global level, the last review noted several issues remain. Of prominent note was the fact that gender equality advances at a low pace due to Samoa’s patriarchal culture, and women’s poor access to employment, property, credit and bank loans. The review also urged the government to act urgently to reduce gender-based violence – which continues to occur at high levels. Other challenges likely to feature in the upcoming review include the measles crisis in 2019, which may have highlighted inequalities in the provision of healthcare, and the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 in 2020 and the resulting increase in inequality and poverty. Progress on reporting on ratified treaties as well as recent legislative changes including the package of laws adopted in 2020 (the Land and Titles Court Bill 2020, the Judicature Amendment Bill 2020 and the Constitution Amendment Bill 2020) will also be analyzed in the UN report from a human rights perspective. This is will be the third time that Samoa’s rights record has been reviewed through this process, with previous reviews occurring in 2011 and 2016. In preparation of the UPR report, the Government of Samoa launched on 27 January national consultations with key duty bearers in a meeting of the National Mechanism on Implementation Reporting and Follow Up that reviewed the process of development of the national report to the HRC, which is due on 9 August. Find out how to make a submission on behalf of yourself or your organization.

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19 January 2023

EDUCATION, is the best Investment !

Education is a fundamental human right. It’s the bedrock of societies, economies, and every person’s potential. But without adequate investment, this potential will wither on the vine. It has always been shocking to me that education has been given such a low priority in many government policies and in international cooperation instruments. The theme of this year’s International Day of Education reminds us that “to invest in people, prioritize education.” Investment is critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4. Last year’s Transforming Education Summit gathered the world together to reimagine education systems so every learner accesses the knowledge and skills required to succeed. Over 130 countries made commitments to ensure that universal quality education becomes a central pillar of public policies and investments. A Call to Action on Educational Investment and the establishment of the International Financing Facility for Education created a fresh push on domestic and international financing. And the Summit launched a range of global initiatives to mobilize support for education in crises settings, girls’ education, foundational learning, transforming teaching, digital tools, and green education systems. Now is the time for all countries to translate their Summit commitments into concrete actions that create supportive and inclusive learning environments for all students. Now is also the time to end all discriminatory laws and practices that hinder access to education. I call on the de facto authorities in Afghanistan in particular to reverse the outrageous and self-defeating ban on access to secondary and higher education for girls. I also encourage countries to place education at the heart of preparations for the SDG Summit in 2023 and the Summit of the Future in 2024. Most of all, I urge civil society and youth to continue calling for more and better investment in quality education. Let’s keep the flame of transformation burning. Let’s deliver education systems that can support equal societies, dynamic economies and the limitless dreams of every learner in the world.

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14 December 2022

Reflections on human rights in Samoa on the occasion of Human Rights Day 2022

“Everyone should be equal in the enjoyment of human rights. Do not discriminate, whether it is a child or an elderly person, because we are all entitled to the same protection under the law”, said a farmer selling his produce in the centre of Apia, the capital of Samoa. He was one of the six people interviewed in a “Vox pop” or a video featuring voice of the people, alongside a youth community worker, a general manager, a mechanic, a student, and a woman with a disability. The video, produced by youth on the occasion of Human Rights Day with the support of the United Nations, opened the panel discussion on television featuring the UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Simona Marinescu; Director of the Human Rights Unit of the Samoa Ombudsman’s Office, Ms. Loukinikini Vili; Disability Inclusive Officer for the Samoa Blind Persons Association, Mr. Asomualemalama Ari Hazelman; and Student Welfare Officer and Campus Life Manager of the University of South Pacific, Ms. Galumalemana Ronna Lee. The four panelists discussed the legacy of the Universal Human Rights Declaration adopted on 10 December 1948 and human rights issues in Samoa. This included children’s rights, the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, gender-based violence and related economic and social costs, rights of person with disabilities, mis/disinformation on social media, freedom of expression and its limitations, role of civil society organizations, collective effort and resources required to realize all human rights for everyone, and the principle of equality and non-discrimination which extends to all human beings, including LGBTIQ+ persons. “Human rights is about living a dignified life in peace and pursuing aspirations. Samoa is on the right track, with the recognition of human rights under its laws, commitment to end gender-based violence against women and girls, the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution, more participation of women in Parliament, and the election of the first female Prime Minister”, said the UN Resident Coordinator. Samoa’s commitment to peace, justice, freedom and recognition of the inherent dignity of each human person regardless of religion, country, race or gender was also stressed by the Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, in her public statement on Human Rights Day. As Samoa celebrates the 60th anniversary of its journey since independence, the Prime Minister recalled that this day also serves to remind everyone to celebrate the human rights and freedoms that are enshrined in Samoa’s Constitution. The Prime Minister also stressed that Samoan culture and tradition is based on mutual respect and reverence of one to another, which lies at the heart of human rights. The common principle of mutual respect that underpins human rights and Samoan tradition was also emphasized by the panelists, who noted that human rights cannot be exercised at the expense of other people’s human rights. Noting the recent incidents of fighting between students in Samoa, “we need to remember that human rights is not about doing whatever you want to do, it’s about respecting others’ rights so that everyone can enjoy their right to be free from violence”, said Ms. Loukinikini Vili of the Samoa Ombudsman’s Office. She stressed the importance of raising awareness about human rights, but also the responsibility which comes with it. Similarly, on social media, Ms. Ronna Lee of the University of South Pacific noted that “the challenge is to help young people in Samoa express themselves in a way that is healthy and doesn’t hurt someone else’s feelings. There is a lot of misinformation too, so it’s important that the information they are sharing are informed opinions based on credible sources and not from fake news”. Ms. Lee also underscored the importance of data on human rights to inform policies and laws, as well as access to education and information by ensuring Internet access throughout the country. Mr. Asomualemalama Ari Hazelman welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the government of Samoa in 2016 and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in consultations by the government and the United Nations. However, noting the experience shared by Ms. Luisa Saupo in the “vox pop” video about the discrimination that persons with disabilities face in the workplace, he stressed that “people’s attitudes and prejudice towards persons with disabilities also need to change”. He called on the public to “open minds and learn from one another”, which can start by talking to persons with disabilities and getting to know them personally. Looking towards the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2023 next year, UN Resident Coordinator stressed the importance of human rights to our lives and for our common humanity. “Human Rights Day is a celebration of life. It’s a celebration of who we are; we have human rights simply by the fact of being human and we don’t need to do anything to deserve our rights. Happy International Human Rights Day and never forget that we have a common obligation to realize everyone’s human rights”, concluded the UN Resident Coordinator.

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Panelists take a short break during the Human Rights Day panel discussion.

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04 December 2022

Samoa validates Country Implementation Plan 2023-2024 within the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027

Samoa was the first country working with the UN Multi Country Office to endorse the United Nations Sustainable Development Country Framework (UNSCDF) 2023 – 2027 when it signed the five-year plan on 11 October 2022. The country continues to demonstrate leadership and commitment as a partner of the United Nations when high-level government officials met on Saturday, 3 December, to review, provide input and validate the country’s implementation plan (CIP) for the next two years (2023-2024). The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office initiated this important next step by beginning with a mapping exercise that put together components of the key outcomes of the cooperation framework with its fourfold focus on people, planet, peace and prosperity. The framework’s overall objective is to improve the lives of people across the Pacific. “In the implementation of the cooperation framework we established a governance structure which includes a programme management team with results groups led by UN agencies in the room and joining from Fiji,” explained Dr. Simona Marinescu, the UN Resident Coordinator for the Samoa-MCO and Co-Chair of the UN-Government of Samoa Joint Steering Committee, in her opening remarks to the group. “We have started the process by reviewing the past. We conducted an evaluation of the last 5-year country implementation plan and this provided us with some very good lessons to make sure that, as we set the way forward, we do not repeat some of the mistakes and we learn from what worked well.” The Country Implementation Plan draws on the Comprehensive Country Analysis (CCA) developed at the beginning of each five-year cycle and updated annually. Reference is also made to the government’s Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS) and its sector plans, in order to inform the UN where Samoa’s priorities lie. In her remarks, Co-Chair of the UN-Government of Samoa Joint Steering Committee Afioga Peseta Noumea Simi thanked the government representatives for attending this session on a Saturday, a day usually set aside for leisure and privacy. She stated, “We had endorsed the Cooperation Framework on the premise that it would support the delivery of our national priorities as articulated in our national development strategy, the Pathway for the Development of Samoa. We continue to re-emphasize that the 2030 Agenda and the Pacific Framework, with its focus on people, planet, peace, prosperity, and partnership, remains relevant to us only if the implementation of these global frameworks are tailored to our national circumstances.” “The Government has placed priority on enhancing human development and as such, the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS) was carefully designed with the vision of fostering social harmony, safety and freedom for all. The PDS consists of five key strategic outcomes comprising of improved social development, sustainable economy, security and governance, environment, and infrastructure, with a cross-cutting focus on overcoming hardships and challenges and access to opportunities for the poor and the most vulnerable in Samoa. The PDS also takes into consideration how we localize the sustainable development goals and their implementation to suit our national context and what we are experiencing in our villages and communities. These consultations can further accentuate how the framework can be contextualized and aligned to support our national development priorities. It is essential that we reflect what we feel requires the necessary attention and resources. We must have a greater role in the development of the CIP. As you and your Ministries are the lead implementers of our national strategies and national plans, that also signals our commitment and ownership of the process to ensure the successful delivery and outcomes for the next five years.” The interactive session with the government divided the group into the four key focus areas of People, Planet, Peace and Prosperity. Over 50 people attended the meeting including Chief Executive Officers of Cabinet ministries and other senior public servants.

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Afioga Peseta Noumea Simi and Dr. Simona Marinescu

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30 November 2022

Samoa’s response to the Triple Planetary Crisis under discussion

For small island developing states (SIDS) in the Pacific, the triple planetary crisis (TPC) of climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution, coupled with ongoing public health crises and global conflicts, is disproportionately threatening the livelihoods of their inhabitants. Climate change and its impacts have been identified by the Pacific Island Forum as the single greatest existential threat in the region; climate action and ocean management are also considered by the Government of Samoa as key national development priorities. Notably, the recently launched Samoa Ocean Strategy 2020-2030 and the Samoa Climate Change Policy 2020-2030 provide the overarching framework, entry points, and important linkages to the work of the UN in this regard. Working with the United Nations Office of the Resident Coordinator, Ms. Aban Marker Kabraji, UN Development Coordination Office Senior Advisor on Climate Change and Biodiversity, led a mission to Samoa in September to open the conversation on Samoa’s response to the triple planetary crisis. Accompanied by Mr. François Martel, Senior Technical Advisor for the UNDP Environment and Climate Change Unit, the team found water to be a critical aspect across all sectors. “Vai o le Ola,” a well-known Samoan phrase that refers to water as a source of life, is the title given to Samoa’s TPC response plan. Conversations with government and non-government entities have continued and will lead up to a roundtable meeting on 7 December. Following the lessons learnt and successes from the TPC work in Pakistan, Thailand and Fiji, it is the vision of the United Nations in Samoa to reconstruct the Pacific approach in addressing SIDS vulnerabilities, and focus on leveraging the interdependence of social, economic, and natural systems in generating opportunities and achieving a balance in the people-nature-economy nexus in these nations. As such, it is also a crucial step towards the implementation of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, which, following a recent landmark General Assembly Resolution A/76/L.75, was recognised as a fundamental human right for all. From the conversations to date, it is clear there are many organisations in Samoa working in the areas of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. And there are a host of relevant policies and strategic plans in place. The TPC response plan, Vai o le Ola, presents an opportunity to reset Samoa’s approach to development and progress as an “ocean state,” to create a unified vision and response plan centered around water, and to generate a series of interventions that build on current efforts while filling any gaps that emerge from the dialogue.

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SROS staff discuss the Triple Planetary Crisis

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Press Release

01 August 2022

Timely support given to honey production in Samoa.

Apia, Samoa – The recently formed Samoa Apiculture Organization (SAO), is the recipient of a financial grant of US$100,000 from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP). The grant will go towards improving the understanding and knowledge of apiculture, capacity development and training of local beekeepers to strengthen knowledge and skills in beekeeping to realize better beekeeping practices and greater production. This in turn will assist in improving the capacity of locally-trained and available expertise on-island to create a sustainable apiculture industry in Samoa. An inception workshop was held on Wednesday this week to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the organization and the UNDP GEF-SGP, making official the grant handover. “In light of the global pandemic and everything happening around the world currently, it is imperative that we continue to keep our eye on the environment and climate change. We need to continue to be vigilant in our quest for the protection of our natural heritage, especially in our vulnerable communities. Resilience is built when we build up those who are most at risk. This is where the SGP comes in, and why we are always excited about the work SGP does, working directly with local communities to promote actions and initiatives that benefit vulnerable populations and support efforts on sustainable development. This boost to the local apiculture industry is a great example of this,” said Jorn Sorensen, Resident Representative, UNDP Samoa. SAO currently has more than 40 financial members, with 57% of the membership being women, who are either farmers, growers, hobbyists, or commercial beekeepers. According to recently sourced data, Samoa has approximately 400 active hives. Previously, there had been no consistent beekeeping data collection that had been shared within the industry. Data collection for the apiculture industry is a priority area that SAO aims to address by implementing proper data collection and management systems for the organization and its membership. “I wish to acknowledge and thank the UNDP Resident Representative, Jorn Sorensen, the GEF SGP National Steering Committee Chair, Nynette Sass, and the National Coordinator, Lilomaiava Filifilia Iosefa, for giving SAO this opportunity. It is important for us to work diligently within our mandate of establishing, maintaining, and improving the apiculture and beekeeping industry in Samoa and we can only achieve this through these types of funding opportunities and building sustainable long-term partnerships and relationships with government and the community,” said Richard Wetzell, SAO President. Key stakeholder partnerships are a priority for SAO for the successful rolling out of the apiculture projects. Establishing partnerships with established commercial beekeepers and their apiaries is key for SAO, as well as the important partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries towards the establishment of a Community Apiculture Resource and Learning Centre for the future. Since its establishment in Samoa in 2003, SGP has supported environment-related programmes, delivering an estimated US$5.2 million dollars for 266 small grant projects on climate knowledge and advocacy, capacity building, financing, technology transfer, adaptation and mitigation.

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Press Release

26 July 2022

FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific launches its 2021 Annual Report

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands launched its 2021 Annual Report on 15 July 2022. The report was launched at the official launching ceremony that took place online and physically in Apia, Samoa and Port Villa, Vanuatu. Ministers from the Government of Samoa and Vanuatu, Ambassadors of China and Japan, three UN Resident Coordinators from the Pacific, together with government stakeholders from Samoa and across the Pacific, the private sector, UN agencies and donor partners were all in attendance to witness the launching. The newly launched report presents the results that FAO-led projects and programmes contributed to the timely and effective joint response by FAO as part of the United Nations family, governments and other partners under various thematic clusters including climate change, emergencies, fisheries and aquaculture. It also looks at longer-term gains made in forestry, livestock, and nutrition and food safety work and highlights how statistics and policy programmes supported key data, reporting, planning and decision-making, including assisting several nations to develop various national censuses. Several 2021 success stories were shared, including the SIDS Solutions Forum co-organized by FAO, Fiji, and ITU in August 2021 as well as the launch of the first-ever Virtual Learning Centre for the Pacific Islands region. To launch the report was Ms Xiangjun Yao, FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands. She thanked the Pacific Governments for the excellent coordination and cooperation throughout the 26 years of the Office’s existence: “All of these achievements would not have been possible without the continued support and trust of our resource, technical and development partners. We are proud to serve the governments and people of the Pacific countries. Thank you for your trust and support, I sincerely hope that our collaboration will only strengthen the future for the benefit of all.” Ms Yao also thanked the Government of Samoa for hosting the FAO Pacific Office in its capital, Apia. At the Ministerial segment of the event, Hon. Minister of Agriculture for Samoa, Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi spoke on the SIDS Solutions Forum that FAO and Samoa Co-hosted in August 2021. He stated that, “this was an important activity for our partnership because it happened during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis. But more importantly, it allowed our collective Pacific commitment to share the world of locally creative innovation and creativity and how can we collaborate creatively to enhance the achievements of the SDGs”. He also highlighted in his speech how thankful he is with the partnership and collaboration the Ministry and FAO have for 26 years now and grateful for the opportunities from FAO through all the years. Other guest speakers and guests consisted of Hon. Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo, the Minister for Communications and Information Technology. Hon. Silas Bule Melve, the Minister of Climate Change, Vanuatu; H.E Mr Senta Keisuke, the Ambassador of Japan in Samoa; H.E. Mr Chao Xiaoliang, the Ambassador of China in Samoa; Mrs Temarama Anguna – Kamana, Head of the Ministry of Agriculture, Cook Islands; and Ms Fiona Lynn, Director, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia - all of whom acknowledged FAO for the successful work that has been done in 2021 and way forward. The event was enriched by thought-provoking statements from three UN Resident Coordinators in the Pacific discussing the challenges and issues across the region. Mr Sanaka Samarasinha, UN Resident Coordinator in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu emphasized the work that FAO is doing in advancing the national food systems transformation agendas: “The approach to food has to change; from seeing food as a commodity to looking at systems. The work that FAO, along with UN agencies, did to support the countries across the Pacific in preparation for the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit is seminal”. Ms Simona Marinescu, UN Resident Coordinator in Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau stated that the Annual report of FAO, like any other report of the United Nations, follows accountability roles in the organization and presents results that are accompanied by very high-quality evidence. Simona thanked Ms Yao for her leadership in 2021 and congratulated her and the team for all their achievements. Finally, Mr Jaap van Hierden UN Resident Coordinator in Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru and Kiribati noted that “It will be a challenge to tackle the high dependency on food imports […] and prices that are becoming more and more expensive due to the turbulences in the food, energy and financial sectors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. I am pleased to note that FAO together with other UN agencies is committed to supporting their governments in addressing these complex challenges. FAO has provided crucial support to those small island countries in the Pacific and will scale up its engagement within the broader UN Pacific Cooperation Framework.” The event ended with closing remarks by Mr Takayuki Hagiwara, Regional Programme Leader, talking on behalf of the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. “The hallmark of FAO work in the Pacific during the coming years will focus on the partnerships and collaboration with a particular reference to the feedback provided over this annual report, which is most useful and appreciated”. FAO has also reflected on the future of its support to the governments and peoples of the Pacific. Ms Yao showcased a series of upcoming projects around the Pacific to support the development and sustainable management of projects linked to promoting healthy food environments, accelerating digital agriculture transformation, improving environmental health, strengthening transboundary animal diseases (TADs) preparedness and response, supporting family farming etc. By analyzing the past success and challenges and reflecting on future opportunities, FAO is excited to strengthen technical and resources partnership and scale up its support achieve better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life in the Pacific, leaving no one behind

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Press Release

20 July 2022

New partnership signed to enhance local research.

The Scientific Research Organization of Samoa (SROS) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have signed an agreement for the partnership to support local research in Samoa. This partnership is a result of the UN Joint Programme on Ecosystem Services Building Forward Better by Safeguarding Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services (commonly called, UNJP on Ecosystem Services). The UNJP on Ecosystem Services is supporting the development of policy and planning, collection of data and valuation of ecosystem services to support the development of scenarios for the future, reporting against sustainable development goals (SDGs) 11-15, and building a case for investment in ecosystem services. The ecosystem services are central to human wellbeing, which are critical for the realization of SDGs 1 to 3. The UNJP on Ecosystem Services is a joint initiative of the United Nations’ Joint SDG Fund and the Government of Samoa. It is led by UNESCO with UNEP and UNESCAP as the participating UN organizations and SPREP as the regional partner. The national implementing partners are the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and SROS. The partnership with SROS brings WST 160700.80 in phase 1 and would add WST 77,951.00 in the planned phase 2 involving actions on research findings. Additionally, the cooperation will bring scientific capacity development to the key staff of SROS and the development of guidelines of policy around bioethics. Seuseu Tauati, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of SROS acknowledged the importance of the partnership in light of the work to be undertaken by SROS in the coming months: “SROS is grateful to the Joint SGD Fund for supporting this project. As a local research organization, SROS strives to support Samoa's natural capital and ecosystem services to inform and improve policy and management efforts. We are excited and looking forward to implementing this project to save our ecosystems.” Acknowledging challenges to the realization of the ambitions of various global and regional conventions on biodiversity from climate change, erosion of the ecosystems and inadequate attention to culture and traditional knowledge, and currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nisha, Director of the Office and UNESCO Representative to the Pacific States, stated: “UNESCO through its work on biodiversity promotes integration between conservation, learning and sustainable development to offer solutions to challenges we face locally and globally. This partnership is a step towards making sure that natural assets, including traditional knowledge, are valued, protected and used sustainably.” The UNJP on Ecosystem Services is planned as Samoa’s contribution to the two highly relevant UN decades: UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030 and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030. Through this partnership, UNESCO and SROS re-confirmed their commitment to long-lasting cooperation for positive and widespread impacts, stemming from technical work under the UNJP on Ecosystem Services. About Joint SDG Fund The Joint SDG Fund is a multi-partner trust fund. This means contributions it receives are not entity specific, but aim to support broader UN system-level functions. In this way, it differs from restrictive earmarked funding which can fuel competition and hamper cooperation among UN entities. This type of pooled funding used by multi-partners trust funds, like the Joint SDG Fund is widely considered ‘multilateralism-friendly’ – and is much more suitable for the integrated support at scale essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda. The current contributors to the Joint SDG Fund are Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Monaco, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, the European Commission, the Kingdom of Netherlands and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. About SROS The Government of Samoa established the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa (SROS) in 2006 to promote research and innovation by scientists for sustainable economic growth. SROS works to support the development of the private sector by establishing through research optimal use of locally available natural resources of Samoa. SROS implements and supports the Government of Samoa’s national development strategy by providing research, training, and analysis needed for sound decision-making. SROS also plays an important role in delivering trusted and efficient services to businesses. SROS attempts to meet scientific research needs across government and maintains strong relationships with local businesses, the science community, and its clients. About UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture and communication and information. In cooperation with 193 Member States and 11 Associate Members, and partners in academia and research organizations, non- and inter-governmental organizations and the private sector, UNESCO has its imprint on the world through norms and standards in education, culture, sciences and communications, the World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and supports national economies, environment, local culture and resilient communities. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) is the United Nations Commission responsible for supporting global ocean science and services created under the auspices of UNESCO. The UNESCO Office for the Pacific States implements UNESCO’s mandate among sixteen Member States and an Associate Member in the Pacific: Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands (Republic of), Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau (Associate), Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. For further details Toleafoa Annie Tuisuga, Manager, Environment and Renewable Energy Division, SROS annie.tuisuga@srosmanagement.org.ws Office for the Director, UNESCO Office for the Pacific States apia@unesco.org

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Press Release

18 January 2022

Samoa launched digital library.

Apia Samoa | The National University of Samoa (NUS), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the national Samoa Digital Library (SADIL) Project on Monday 17th of January 2022, at the NUS Fale Samoa. The Digital Library is part of the Samoa Knowledge Society Initiative (SKSI), which is collectively funded by the India South-South Cooperation, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and UNDP. SKSI is a rights-based initiative that acknowledges the right to access to information by all Samoans, contributing towards an enabling environment for enhanced digital development. The initiative also aims to produce a user-friendly localized knowledge e-platform, providing access to full text, bibliographical and institutional information from Samoa and international sources that are openly licensed. An objective of this initiative is the establishment of a knowledge platform that comprises two repositories (the Lifelong Learning Lab and the Research repository) and a digital library. “The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a heavy reliance on online technology for working and learning. Hence the digital library is timely with its wealth of digital resources – providing online access to information for work, for education and for use in our daily lives. Knowledge is power. Therefore, access to quality information empowers people to make the right choices and the right decisions, hence ensuring an empowered knowledge-based society,” said the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane Tua’au. In addition, the national digital library aims to increase access to bibliographic and institutional information from Samoa in English and Samoan. The development of the multilingual interface of the digital library was carried out by national consultant, Mose Mose. The project is now complete, and the launch ceremony yesterday also served as the official handover of the National Digital Library to the National University of Samoa to administer through its Learning Resource Centre (NUS Library) on behalf of all of Samoa. The Digital Library currently has numerous electronic resources on Samoa mainly from NUS. Both key donors, India and the United Nations reaffirmed their commitment to the development of inclusive knowledge societies in Samoa. “India, as a partner and true friend, would like to extend a helping hand to Samoa towards its socio-economic development. I would be very happy to engage with the Ministry of Education and see how we can work together in the areas of education, e-learning, capacity-building and human resource development,” said India’s High Commissioner to Samoa, Muktesh K. Pardeshi, who joined the launch virtually. “The future of learning, like most facets of our society nowadays, is digital. We need to move with the times. A key part of this digital transformation is digital libraries, as we have seen here today. Digital libraries ensure continuity and availability of information regardless of the circumstances. As the pandemic continues to evolve, presenting multi-faceted challenges, we must also respond accordingly. Digital libraries have emerged as vital pathways to high-quality educational content ensuring all Samoans can access information freely and learn without disruptions, regardless of current limitations,” said the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Simona Marinescu. The Project Team and Management acknowledged the significant contribution of enriching electronic historical and archaeological records on Samoa from the NUS Centre of Samoan Studies. The Digital Library also contains resources from external libraries such as the United Nations Digital Library. The Digital Library in the near future will also contain resources from the Government Ministries and will be linked directly to the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture’s Lifelong Learning Platform. More information about the digital library can be found at: https://samoaksi.ws/ ENDS Media Contacts: NUS: Eric Clem Groves, Manager Planning: e.groves@nus.edu.ws UNDP: Laufaleaina Lesa Communications Analyst: laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org

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