Remembering why the United Nations was established.

The UN Day 2023 event in Samoa started with a prayer for peace and security for everyone in the world by Pastor Vui Sebastien Mariner

The UN Country Team in Samoa celebrated the UN Day on Tuesday 24th October with the presence of the Honourable Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, members of the Diplomatic Corp, UN partners and stakeholders, Miss Samoa, and the UN family.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Themba Kalua recalled that the United Nations was established to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war; to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights and the inherent dignity and worth of every person, and in equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small; establish conditions for justice; and to promote social progress and better standards of life.

“Today, we live in a divided world and are witnessing unprecedented complex conflicts. This should not be a cause for despair, but a reminder of why the United Nations was established”, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Themba Kalua during his remarks.

He recalled the progress that has been made globally since the establishment of the United Nations, such as lifting more than a billion people out of extreme poverty; more girls attending schools than ever before; reduction of maternal and infant mortality by more than half; and growing grassroots action to tackle the climate crisis.  

Here in the Pacific, he reiterated the commitment by the UN to support the governments of Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau to address issues such as climate change, non-communicable diseases, gender quality and gender-based violence, and ensuring sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Recognizing the complexity of these challenges, the Resident Coordinator the need for collective and coordinated action with development partners, regional organizations, civil society, businesses, academia and other stakeholders.

He reiterated the commitment by the UN to support the governments of Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau to address issues such as climate change, non-communicable diseases, gender quality and gender-based violence, and ensuring sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Hon. Prime Minister of Samoa noted that “we have come a long way since we joined the United Nations in 1976, and despite being a small island developing country, Samoa continues its call for global solidarity and unity to address the pressing global challenges that we currently face”.

She highlighted the progress that has been made in Samoa to ensure people-centered development, promote gender equality and combat violence against women, and stressed the importance of promoting and protecting human rights for all, as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

On behalf of the Diplomatic Corp in Samoa, H.E. Mr. Trevor Matheson paid tribute to the UN staff who are on the frontlines of conflict and have lost their lives while serving the mandate of the organization, and stressed the importance of the UN in fostering peace and progress.

It was also an occasion to showcase the work of the UN agencies serving the people of the unique ‘blue and green’ islands of Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau. UN agencies, together with their partners, set up booths in an exhibition to showcase their work and to tell the stories of their achievements.

Miss Samoa, Moemoana Safaatoa Schwenke, an  advocate for climate change, women’s empowerment and cultural heritage, stated that “now is the time for inclusivity. Our young people deserve to be in the discussions that concern them because it is, fundamentally, their future at stake. When we collaborate with them harmoniously, we promote peace. The empowerment of our young people paves the way for prosperity for all.”

The UN Day concluded with cultural performances by Tamaitai Anofale, a group of young women leaders using Samoan dance and storytelling to demonstrate their leadership, self-esteem and confidence, and to promote women empowerment.