Launch of Food Systems Joint Programme.

UN Secretary-General, His Excellency António Guterres,
Lau Afioga I Minister – We are honored to have three cabinet ministers with us.
CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
Dear Colleagues

Talofa lava.

We are deeply honored to launch the joint programme between the Government of Samoa and the UN in Samoa on “Catalyzing the Samoa National Food Systems Transformation Agenda Through collection action” in the esteemed presence of the UN Secretary-General during his historic visit to Samoa.

I want to commend the Government of Samoa for developing the Pathway on Transforming Food Systems in 2021. This joint programme represents a significant milestone in advancing this important pathway.

Samoa faces pressing challenges, including severe impacts of climate change and alarming rates of non-communicable diseases, both of which are closely tied to the need for food systems transformation. Ensuring access to safe and nutritious food is essential to reducing the burden of NCDs, which tragically account for 81% of all deaths in Samoa. Additionally, challenges in food production have been compounded by the changing climate.

This joint programme is not only instrumental in addressing these challenges but also serves as a powerful example of how the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team (UNCT) are working together to provide integrated support aligned with the priorities of the government of Samoa.

This joint programme is part of the broader UN-Government of Samoa SDG Acceleration Initiative that the UN in Samoa in partnership with the government launched earlier this year to help accelerate Samoa’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition to food systems transformation, our SDG acceleration initiative focuses on four other critical areas: climate change, non-communicable diseases, gender equality, and sustainable and inclusive economic development. Under the technical leadership of designated lead agencies, the UNCT is delivering joint support across these areas.

Globally, Food systems transformation is one of six transitions identified as having catalytic and multiplier effects on multiple SDGs. For the Joint Programme that we are launching, FAO is the lead technical agency, working in close collaboration with the other Rome-based agencies—WFP and IFAD complemented by efforts of the broader UNCT. I extend my sincere thanks to these agencies for their support and excellent collaboration.

I would like to commend the Prime Minister and the Government of Samoa for their steadfast commitment to the SDGs. The Government, with the UN’s support, successfully completed and presented its third Voluntary National Review at the High-Level Political Forum in New York last month - a testament to the government’s dedication.

I also want to express my deep appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries for his ministry’s leadership on food systems and for this crucial partnership as well as to the Honourable Minister of Health for being a key partner in today’s launch, given the strong link between food systems and health.

The UN in Samoa enjoys a strong partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment including on our climate work. I am grateful to Afioga Minister Cedric Schuster for his unwavering support.

Finally, I wish to extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, whose effective facilitation of the UN’s work in Samoa is invaluable. I thank the CEO for her leadership and dedication to our ongoing partnership.

In closing, in the presence of the UN Secretary General, I want to reaffirm the commitment of the UN system in Samoa to continue supporting the Government of Samoa in implementing the Pathway for the Development of Samoa and achieving the SDGs.

Fa’afetai tele lava. Soifua.