United Nations Resident Coordinator guest lecturer at National University of Samoa

On the 5th of May Dr. Simona Marinescu, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Niue, Tokelau, Cook Islands and Samoa, presented a lecture on the UN and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to nineteen eager students at the National University of Samoa (NUS). Students attending the post graduate course of Development Studies led by Senior Lecturer Dr. Masami Tsujita show a passion for development in Samoa, drawing on their experience from various development partners including SPREP (Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme), the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Peace Corps, and other institutions in Samoa.

The lecture outlined the overarching role that the United Nations play in the global context from conflict prevention to climate change. Students did not shy away when talking about the SDGs. One student, when asked which SDG had most meaning to them and Samoa, answered “SDG 1, Poverty. When poverty is addressed it will have a knock-on effect to support SDGs including SDG 2 Zero Hunger and then onwards. With reduced poverty comes further development in Samoa”.

Highlighting the pillars of the United Nations, Dr. Marinescu stated that “the United Nations revolves around essential pillars including Human Rights, Peace and Security, and Development. These pillars guide the United Nations globally in everyday programming and work, including for Samoa.” As examples, the United Nations is currently working on programs for the rights of persons with disability in the Cook Islands, and is work with the Government of Samoa to strengthening the resilience of Pacific Island States through policies for universal social protection.

Dr. Marinescu also outlined in her lecture the UN’s COVID-19 support to the four SIDs including the procurement of medical testing equipment; toolkits and learning packages for reducing violence against women and girls through the EU Spotlight Initiative; and the provision of COVID-19 vaccines through the UN-led COVAX Vaccine Facility. To date more than 22,000 vaccines have been administered in Samoa.  

Volunteerism piqued the interest of students as Dr. Marinescu explained the role that United Nations Volunteers play in the UN system. Highlighting that students are encouraged to apply for volunteer jobs both in Samoa and abroad.

For additional information on SDGs please click here.

For additional information on COVAX Facility please click here.

For additional information on United Nations Volunteers click here.