[ PRESS RELEASE Apia, Samoa] – The Nevada National Guard visited Samoa from February 17-21, 2025, to continue its ongoing collaboration with the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA). This visit marks another key milestone in the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Samoa through the Nevada State Partnership Program (SPP).
The week was filled with activities designed to strengthen emergency medical response skills which included combat casualty care, trauma management techniques, as well as ambulance operations and patient transportation. The training built on previous successful engagements, including the Nevada National Guard’s emergency medical services program with SFESA in August 2024 and an advanced skills training program in prison operations with the Ministry of Police, Prisons, and Corrections Services in November 2024.
“This partnership represents not just an exchange of knowledge, but a bridge connecting our two communities — one that enhances our capabilities, strengthens our leadership, and ultimately ensures the safety and well-being of those we serve,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires. “Through the Nevada State Partnership Program, we continue to pave the way for a future defined by a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Pacific region.”
ABOUT THE NEVADA NATIONAL GUARD AND THE STATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
The Nevada National Guard has been engaged in the State Partnership Program with Samoa to enhance cooperation in security, disaster response, and emergency preparedness. Through regular exchanges and training workshops, this partnership strengthens regional stability and fosters mutual understanding between the United States and Samoa.
[PRESS RELEASE]- Over 100 women from various Government schools in the Faasaleleaga district came together to participate in the Football Federation Samoa (FFS) Women’s Campaign held in Iva, Savaii, on a vibrant Wednesday afternoon.
This marked the inaugural occasion for the program in Savaii, thoughtfully organized by Women’s Football Manager Nadia Malifa and her dedicated Women Coordinator, Ms. Sila Lelevaga. The event drew not only enthusiastic girls but also supportive teachers, all gathered to encourage their students and children while engaging in an array of enjoyable activities.
The first leg of this empowering Women’s Campaign Program was successfully held in Upolu the previous year, employing a similar approach of inviting women from select government schools to join in the festivities.
“Overall, the program in Savaii was a joyful experience that flowed seamlessly. The girls had a fantastic time, forging new friendships and opportunities to connect with peers from different schools,” Ms. Malifa shared, To create a sense of unity and excitement, the organizers provided vibrant orange uniforms—reflecting the event’s spirited theme—alongside an abundance of delicious food and fresh fruit.
Nadia and Sila expressed heartfelt gratitude to each participating school for their unwavering support, emphasizing that the success of the program would not have been achievable without their collaboration and encouragement.
[PRESS RELEASE – 27th February 2025.] – The Independent State of Samoa and Belize have formally established diplomatic relations, effective 25 February 2025. The Joint Communiqués were signed at the Permanent Mission of Belize in New York by H.E. Mr. Carlos Fuller, Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations, and H.E Mr. Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Dr. Pa’olelei Luteru, Permanent Representative of Samoa to the United Nations.
The establishment of diplomatic relations will not only enhance existing ties but pave the way for greater cooperation between the two countries and peoples.
Samoa and Belize have maintained cordial relations through collaboration within the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), the Group of 77 and China, the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), the United Nations, and other international organizations. Both countries share a strong commitment to addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development and advancing ocean issues.
REMARKS by the Prime Minister, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa On the occasion of the celebration of the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan hosted by the Ambassador of Japan, H.E Ryotaro Suzuki
(Friday, 21 February 2025 at 6.30-8.30pm, Taumeasina Island Resort)
Reverend Semikueva Fa’atoafe Ugapo
Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo
Members of the Council of Deputies
Cabinet Ministers
Speaker of the House
Leader of Opposition
Members of Parliament
Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary
H.E Ryotaro Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Talofa and a pleasant good evening to you all.
I would like to thank Your Excellency, Ryotaro Suzuki, for the invitation to say a few words at this evening’s reception to celebrate the 65th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, Emperor Naruhito.
The celebrations this evening, is also about the relationship that both our countries established with the aim to nurture and enhance friendly relations.
Japan and Samoa have developed strong cordial relations that have prospered over the years. Japan and Samoa established diplomatic relations in April 1973 and this year marks 52 years of mutually beneficial partnership.
Like our other development partners, Japan’s generous assistance through development cooperation has ensured that programs which Samoa could not invest in nor manage without the requisite technical expertise were well accommodated and resourced to overcome the constraints. The JICA volunteer programme in Samoa is an integral aspect in our relationship. The deployment of JICA volunteers to critical areas such as education, health, water/sanitation and environmental management has contributed immensely to the development of these areas.
Japan continues to provide key economic infrastructure with related heavy-duty equipment. Last year, we signed an MoU under Japan’s Grant Assistance for
Economic and Social Development Programme for the procurement of a new drilling rig for the Samoa Water Authority and the Exchange of Notes for the new Health Science Campus and resource centre at Le Papaigalagala campus
Japan is committed to funding small-scale projects that directly benefit our village communities contributing to their social and economic development. A number of valuable projects funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security Projects recently, included the reconstruction of the Samatau Primary school, the building of the Avele College Hall, the construction of the Mental Health Facility of Goshen Trust Mental Health Services, the handover of a Mobile Dental Clinic to the Ministry of Health, the handover of water tank trucks and pumper water tanks to FESA and the handover of 5 Toyota Landcruisers to the Samoa Water Authority to assist with routine inspection and repair works. Two weeks ago, Japan and the Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations (SUNGO) signed an agreement for the construction of the Samoa Integrated Training Centre for Community Development.
Your Excellency,
Our bilateral relations have achieved much through people-to-people exchange activities and the comprehensive development efforts of both countries. The exchange of high-level visits plays a crucial role in enhancing cooperation and commitment in our bilateral relations. In February 2024, Samoa hosted the visit of Japan’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Ms. Yoko Kamikawa. We also received a senior level visit from the Japanese Ministry of Justice in support of democratic governance with a reciprocal visit of our Minister of Justice and delegation to Japan.
In July last year, I attended the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in Tokyo and had the opportunity to meet bilaterally with Prime Minister Kishida discussing cooperation that are aligned with the “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent” which would translate to activities addressing country needs and the delivery of assistance bilaterally.
These are, but a few highlights of the remarkable partnership our two countries have engaged in recently that continue to foster effective cooperation for the development of Samoa and reap mutual benefits for our two countries.
Your Excellency,
To conclude, I would like to offer our warmest congratulations on the celebration of his Majesty Emperor Naruhito’s birthday.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I invite you all to please raise your glasses with me and let us pay tribute: “for the continued good health and prosperity of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, and to continuing good relations between Samoa and Japan.”
KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Honourable Seuula Ioane Tuāau Minister for Education and Culture.
Acknowledgments
• Reverend Dr Taipisia Leilua
• Your Excellency William Robinson, Australia High Commissioner to Samoa;
• Vice Chancellor of the National University of Samoa;
• Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of APTC partners;
• Chief Executive Officers of Government Agencies and Non-Government Organizations; and Principal of TVET institutions;
• Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) Samoa and Tonga Country Director, Lagaaia Lealiifano Easter Manila Silipa and staff;
• APTC Graduands 2025;
• Esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen
Introduction
Tālofa lava and a pleasant good morning to you all.
On behalf of the Samoan Government, it gives me a great privilege to be here to deliver the keynote address at today’s graduation ceremony.
Congratulations and Acknowledgements
Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of the 89 Samoan women and men on achieving a significant milestone by graduating today.
The Samoan Government acknowledges and appreciates your hard work and resilience in completing your Australian qualifications and we are proud of your accomplishments.
Today, you will be conferred with Australian qualifications in seven (7) different vocational programs: drainage, plumbing services, skills for work and vocational pathways, commercial cookery, light vehicle mechanical technology, tourism, and wall and floor tiling.
To our graduands, as your Minister for Education and Culture, I wish to convey the Government’s sincere congratulations on your achievements.
Malo le finau! Malo le fai o le faiva!
Gender Equality
I am proud to announce that forty (40) of today’s graduates are women who have successfully completed their TVET programs. Notably, ten (10) of these remarkable women have excelled in traditionally male-dominated fields such as drainage and plumbing. Your achievements serve as a powerful testament to your hard work, dedication, breaking barriers and paving the way for future women and girls of Samoa.
Government Support
The Government of Samoa is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the Australian Government’s support through APTC, which offers access bursaries for our Samoan people, providing opportunities for them to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This supports the priorities of the Samoa Education Sector Plan 2019-2024, including inclusive education and TVET. It also supports the priorities of the Government of Samoa’s disability-inclusive development goals, as outlined in the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities 2021-2031.
Today we also recognise the 24 graduates from the various government agencies who have partnered with APTC Samoa. These dedicated individuals from the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Samoa Water Authority, and the Land Transport Authority have successfully completed the Certificate II in Drainage qualification. This signifies the positive impact of APTC’s support in our community.
Partnerships
The Samoan Government acknowledges the Australian Government and APTC for their partnership and support to other various government agencies and NGOs including the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, Electric Power Corporation, Lakapi Samoa, Nuanua ole Alofa, Samoa Faafine Association, National Youth Council of Samoa and more. Your commitment to enhancing productivity, reducing unemployment, and building stronger communities in Samoa is truly commendable.
It is great to see a growing number of our people leveraging these skills for improved livelihoods. The Government of Samoa stands committed to working alongside the Australian Government to ensure that our skills training aligns with industry needs, leading to robust employment outcomes for all Samoans. This collaboration has yielded impressive results, with over 3390 Samoans graduating with Australian qualifications since 2007.
I would like to also highlight APTC’s collaboration with the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA) in bolstering Samoan qualifications and expanding our workforce’s global competitiveness, especially in high-demand fields, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the global market.
Additionally, APTC’s partnership with the National University of Samoa (NUS) which has been ongoing since 2007, ensures that our training programs are relevant and of high quality. Together, APTC and NUS have developed and accredited various programs and have provided numerous capability development opportunities for students as well as staff.
I acknowledge and sincerely thank the Australian Government for its unwavering support and collaboration with the Samoa Education sector and TVET organisations through APTC, which has been crucial in nurturing and shaping Samoa’s future.
Concluding Remarks
To all our graduates, congratulations once again!
I am confident that APTC has provided you with the skills and qualifications necessary to become invaluable contributors to Samoa’s expanding workforce. You now join a network of over 25,850 APTC Alumni across the region, and I eagerly look forward to your contributions to the national growth of Samoa.
For those of you who have trained away from home at other APTC campuses, your dedication to learning sets a powerful example for future generations.
As TVET role models, you now have the power to transform society’s perception of this valuable pathway to fulfilling careers. Remember, your learning journey does not end here. Continue to grow, both personally and professionally, to contribute to the betterment of Samoa.
Well done to all the graduates! May you achieve great success in all your future endeavours.
Faafetai tele lava. Soifua ma ia manuia.
BACKGROUND OF THE AUSTRALIA PACIFIC TRAINING COALITION
A centre of training excellence, the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) helps Pacific Island and Timorese citizens gain Australian skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers.
Over 25,860 Pacific Island and Timorese citizens have graduated with Australian qualifications from APTC campuses in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. These qualifications range from accredited short courses to diploma level training for various vocational areas, including automotive, manufacturing, construction, electrical, tourism, hospitality, education, management, health and community services.
These graduates have returned to industry and implemented a range of new skills, with over 90% of employers of APTC graduates reporting their significant contribution to improving workplace productivity.
APTC collaborates with regional governments, industry and training providers to develop a more skilled, inclusive and productive workforce aligned with domestic and international labour market requirements, to enhance Pacific prosperity.
APTC’s end-of-program outcomes are:
1. APTC and partner graduates have improved employment outcomes
Opening Remark by the Hon. Toeolesulusulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Lands
Regional Technical Workshop on Science and Partnerships for Geohazard Resilience in the Pacific
(Monday 24 February 2025 ,09:30am at Lava Hotel, Apia)
• Reverend
• Director of UNESCO to Pacific States
• Distinguished Delegates, Partners, and Guests
• Workshop Participants
• Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. The Pacific Islands are made of small island states surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean, and boarders the ring of fire, which is home to more than two thirds of the active and dormant volcanoes on earth.
2. This combination makes the Pacific region a hot spot for many of the geohazards disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Coupled this with the active South Pacific Convergence Zone that brings heavy rainfalls and cyclones, resulting in landslides, and flooding, the Pacific Island countries are constantly having to build resilience.
3. I wish to welcome and say talofa lava to the geohazards community of scientists, experts, researchers, decision-makers and international partners gathered for the Regional Technical Workshop on Science and Partnerships for Geohazard Resilience in the Pacific: Towards a Multihazard Early Warning System. to strengthen our regional and national capabilities in geohazard risk reduction.
4. As Pacific Island nations, we are no strangers to the devastating impacts of geohazards. We have a long history of geohazard disasters, but I will only touch on the most recent ones, including the tragic events of the 2009 Pacific Tsunami, the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami, the Manu’a Islands of American Samoa’s seismic unrest, with hundreds of earthquakes causing widespread concern and fear among our communities. There is also the deadly landslide in Enga Province of PNG, and the destructive 7.3 magnitude earthquake which struck Port Vila in Vanuatu in December 2024. All sadly resulted in a significant loss of lives and widespread damage.
5. As you all would be aware, these events highlight the critical importance of building resilience against geohazards. Our ability to prepare, respond, and recover from these disasters depends on strong partnerships, enhanced scientific knowledge, and robust early warning systems.
6. It is amongst these reasons Pacific Ministers for Disaster Risk Reduction at their meetings in 2022, 2023 and 2024 acknowledged:
• the need for development partners’ investments to achieve the ambition of the Early Warnings for All initiative in the Pacific and the Weather Ready Pacific Programme;
• stronger coordination on multi-hazard early warning systems at the regional level to effectively support Pacific Island Countries and Territories;
• and increased funding for multi-hazard early warning systems, disaster preparedness and nature-based solutions for resilient coastal infrastructure.
7. This workshop provides a valuable platform for sharing best practices, advancing research, and fostering collaboration to improve our monitoring and preparedness efforts. Over the next five days, you will engage in discussions aimed at strengthening our collective response to geohazards.
8. I encourage you all to use this time to identify key areas of geohazards management that demand the close attention of our regional and international development partners who are present this week, through the development of a Regional Geohazards Strategy that will inform the Early Warnings for All initiative in the Pacific and the Weather Ready Pacific Programme.
9. I especially encourage you to also explore ways to gather and incorporate traditional knowledge into National and Regional Geohazards Strategies. Our ancestors would have developed indigenous systems of early warning, response and recovery to all these geohazards and natural disasters. Therefore I am sure that these information and knowledge must be captured and utilised before they are lost.
10. Another ask of your workshop is, noting that we as small island states with very limited budgets and staff, it is critical that better approaches for sharing information and monitoring is established, but at the same time, building the capacity of our national staff and equipping them with proper resources.
11. For Samoa, we are updating our National Disaster Management Plan 2024 – 2034 to guide national response and national coordination for all types of disasters including geohazards, as well as implementing our Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) Policy to improve our country’s readiness and resilience to all types of disasters including geohazards.
12. Unfortunately, all great plans are held back by the lack of expertise. For Samoa that includes the lack of specialized volcanic expertise, posing challenges in responding to potential eruptions. We also suffer from staffing shortages in weather, climate, and geosciences. Therefore, investing in recruitment, retention strategies, and ICT support can improve national and regional overall resilience to geohazards.
13. I would like to see a formalized regional scientific and technical grouping that can backstop and support our national entities, but also encourage more research that is not just applied for decision-making process.
14. For the Pacific Islands Government Officials, I urge you all to take concrete actions away from this workshop to strengthen your national geohazards management systems through your Meteorological Services and Disaster Management Offices.
15. Ia talolua Tuna ma Fata, ini manū fa’aifo mai lagi, mo i tatou uma, mo nei ma a
taeao.
Fa’afetai tele lava, and I wish you all a productive and successful workshop.
The National University of Samoa (NUS) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), effective February 2025, to establish a collaborative framework for advancing Samoa’s agriculture and fisheries sectors.
This landmark agreement aims to promote research, development and training initiatives to improve food security, promote sustainable resource management and boost income-generating opportunities.
The MOU outlines a comprehensive scope of activities, including the exchange of researchers and students, joint research projects, technical assistance, and the co-sponsorship of seminars.
Both MAF and NUS will share capacity-building opportunities and collaborate on projects focusing on key areas such as crops, food security, climate change and fisheries. The agreement also ensures a collaborative approach to knowledge sharing and innovation.
This strategic partnership highlights a commitment to promoting a resilient agriculture and fisheries sector through enhanced collaboration between governmental and academic entities. It represents a significant step toward strengthening Samoa’s capacity to address challenges in food production, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Both partners anticipate that this MOU will catalyze impactful projects that will benefit the Samoan community and contribute to the nation’s sustainable growth.
Apia, Samoa – February 20, 2025 – Samoa Airways vehemently denies recent defamatory remarks made by Mau Hunt on Facebook, which have caused harm to the reputation of the national airline, its CEO and its dedicated staff.
These false and baseless accusations have no grounds and are categorically rejected by the airline’s management.
In a series of social media posts, Mau Hunt falsely alleged that Samoa Airways CEO, Mr. Fauoo Taua FatuTielu, holds shares in Talofa Airways while serving in his role as the CEO of the national carrier.
These remarks are entirely unfounded and malicious, designed to undermine the leadership and integrity of Samoa Airways.
Mr. Tielu, along with all members of Samoa Airways’ management, operates with the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
Furthermore, Hunt’s accusations against the airline’s pilots and management regarding drug testing are also false and defamatory. Samoa Airways maintains strict compliance with aviation safety regulations and conducts routine drug and alcohol testing in accordance with industry standards to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and staff.
These unwarranted claims about drug testing procedures are misleading and baseless.
Additionally, the claim that Samoa Airways has transported an “empty coffin with drugs” is utterly absurd and harmful. Such allegations are not only defamatory but completely without merit. Samoa Airways has always upheld the highest standards of safety, responsibility, and ethical conduct in all operations.
Samoa Airways strongly condemns these defamatory remarks, and we are particularly concerned that since these false claims have been publicly shared, they have the potential to mislead the public and harm the reputation of the airline.
Unfortunately, many individuals now believe these dangerous, unsubstantiated accusations, which could have serious consequences.
We urge those who have come across this misinformation to disregard it, as it has no basis in fact. Legal action is already underway, with the airline’s legal counsel having filed a formal case with the police.
These false claims will form part of the ongoing investigation.
We are confident that the truth will prevail and that those responsible for spreading this harmful misinformation will be held accountable.
We also urge the public to be cautious when consuming second-hand information, especially from individuals who have no credible sources or factual basis for their claims. The spread of such reckless and damaging information can cause significant harm and confusion.
We advise the public to rely on trusted, verified sources
rather than the uneducated opinions of those who seek to tarnish reputations without evidence.
Samoa Airways remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and excellent services to the people of Samoa.
The airline’s leadership and staff continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the national carrier represents the values of integrity, professionalism, and transparency.
Honourable Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua, Minister for Commerce, Industry, and Labour,
Senior Officials of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour,
Chief Executive Officers,
Members of the Samoan Tripartite Forum,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps, including our colleagues from the ONE UN Family,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honour for me to address you this morning at the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Samoan Tripartite Forum (Government, Employers, and Workers) on Samoa’s Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2024-2028.
First and foremost, allow me to express my deepest gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to my delegation since our arrival at the beginning of this week. I wish to particularly recognize and sincerely thank the Rt. Hon. Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa for the courtesy extended to me and for the honour and privilege of presenting my credentials.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to the Samoa National Tripartite Forum (SNTF) for the opportunity to attend their meeting and witness firsthand a strong example of social dialogue in action.
The finalization and signing of the DWCP today serve as a testament to Samoa’s unwavering commitment to our shared vision of advancing social justice and decent work.
As you are aware, by committing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), nations around the world pledged under SDG 8 to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. However, achieving this vision requires deliberate, well-thought-out, and prioritized interventions by governments, in collaboration with social partners.
The signing of the DWCP today demonstrates the high value that the Government, workers, employers, and the people of Samoa place on structured and strategic action towards addressing employment challenges in the country.
Ladies and gentlemen, decent work is central to ensuring that the Sustainable Development Goals remain people centered. This means, among other things, that individuals from all walks of life must have a voice in shaping policy processes.
I can confidently say that the DWCP we are signing today meets this standard in several ways:
1. It has been developed jointly by the Government, workers, and employers under
the guidance of the Samoa National Tripartite Forum.
2. It is aligned with Samoa’s national development framework, the Pathway for the
Development of Samoa, which was formulated through extensive countrywide
consultations and reflects the aspirations of the Samoan people.
For the ILO, the DWCP will be our key programming instrument in Samoa. We are pleased that it clearly identifies the priorities of the Government, workers, and employers in promoting decent work. It also forms part of the ILO’s contribution to the broader UN effort in Samoa towards the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Indeed, the DWCP is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the Pacific (2023-2027) and the Country Implementation Plan for Samoa, whose review I was privileged to participate in earlier this week.
By signing this MOU, the ILO reaffirms its commitment to working with you in implementing the DWCP 2024-2028, with a focus on the following three priority areas:
1. Promoting decent work at the core of Samoa’s post-COVID economic recovery
and response to climate change through inclusive and resilient economic
growth and employment development.
2. Enhancing workers’ rights and strengthening comprehensive social protection.
3. Improving labour market governance, including strengthening the capacity of
workers’ and employers’ organizations to effectively participate in social
dialogue and influence policy and decision-making processes.
I would also like to take this opportunity to invite our fellow UN agencies and development partners in Samoa to carefully review this DWCP and explore areas of collaboration.
Furthermore, I wish to commend Samoa for its leadership on the global stage in ratifying and domesticating international labour standards. To date, Samoa has ratified 9 out of 10 core ILO conventions, with the most recent being:
1. Convention 187 (Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health),
and
2. Convention 190 (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace).
I sincerely thank the Government, Employers, and Workers’ Associations, particularly the SNTF and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour (MCIL), for leading the charge in not only ratifying these conventions but also ensuring their effective implementation through national law and practice.
As the Samoan proverb goes:
“O le tele o lima e mama ai se avega” – Many hands make the load lighter.
I am confident that Samoa will fully achieve the expected outcomes of the DWCP if we work together—pooling our strengths, expertise, and resources. Let us continue fostering strong partnerships to advance decent work, economic resilience, and social justice.
PRESS RELEASE 21 Feb 2025 – Today, the Governments of Australia and Samoa signed an agreement to increase Australia’s budget support to WST$28 million for the current financial year.
This additional support is part of Australia’s long-term contributions into Samoa’s development spanning over 8-years – from 2023 to 2031 – and totalling WST$187.7 million.
Signed by Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency Mr William Robinson, and Samoa’s Minister of Finance, the Honourable Lautimuia Uelese Vaai, this support is underpinned by the deep trust the two nations share, and their joint commitment to enhancing service delivery for Samoa’s communities.
“Our signing of this agreement embodies the spirit of trust we have in one another, and an expression of our belief that our prosperity is best pursued together. This will support the Government of Samoa’s expenditure right across the board for things that matter most to Samoans – from paying teacher’s salaries, ensuring hospitals have the supplies they need, and maintaining quality roads,” said High Commissioner Robinson.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Samoa, I express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Government and the people of Australia for their continuous support to Samoa’s development. The additional general budget support marks yet another milestone in the trusted-long lasting relationship and development partnership between our two countries – Australia and Samoa. We remain committed to addressing the priority needs of our people, through various initiatives and integrating priorities for development through general budget support. We are also appreciative of the commitment to the JPAM arrangement supporting high impact policies that inform and guide priorities for Samoa,” said Minister Lautimuia.
This additional budget support will contribute to the delivery of essential services that the people of Samoa rely on, including in health, education, gender, disability and social protection.
Australia’s budget support is delivered in partnership with New Zealand, World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Union through the Joint Policy Action Matrix (JPAM).
The JPAM is an economic reform agenda that enables best practice development partners to support Samoa’s development destiny with their expertise.