UN USG Wu Leads Planning Mission to Samoa

The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Wu Hongbo led a delegation from the United Nations to meet with the Samoan government in Apia Samoa. Samoa will host the Small Island Developing States Conference in 2014. USG Wu stated “As Secretary-General of the Conference, I am thrilled to be here in Apia for our first planning mission. Already, it is very clear to me and to our team that Samoa will be an exemplary host for this important international event. This Conference represents an opportunity for Small Island Developing States in all three regions -the Pacific, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic/ Indian Oceans, - to have their voices heard on their priorities, continuing challenges and opportunities, to launch and showcase partnerships.

Thanks to the resilience and political stability of the country, its innovative and hardworking people, and its fruitful and so-called “transformational” partnerships, Samoa is developing in an inclusive and sustainable manner. I congratulate the Prime Minister and the Samoan people for their upcoming graduation from Least Developed Country status. This conference will offer the chance for Samoa to showcase its path to development, as a model for other small island states and an inspiration to the entire international community.”

Following a meeting with Prime Minister of Samoa Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi at the Central Bank of Samoa’s conference room on April 3rd, Mr.Wu said that the world should learn from countries like Samoa stating:
“The world should take notice how these countries are dealing with a range of economic, social and environmental issues, including the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events,”

He added that “The Samoa Conference will help guide us all toward a sustainable future.”
Mr. Wu expressed the United Nations gratitude to Samoa for offering to host the conference.
“Small island developing States are on the frontlines of sustainable development and despite their unique vulnerabilities, they never shy away from tackling head-on the social, economic and environmental challenges facing their communities,”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa is extremely pleased about Samoa being chosen as the conference venue he stated:
“Coincidentally, 2014 holds special significance for Samoa. Barring any natural catastrophes, we will graduate from the category of Least Developed Countries on 1 January that year,”
“We want to underscore that through genuine partnerships with development partners our Small Island Developing State, also a least developed country, is able to markedly lift the socioeconomic situation of our country and the standard of living for our people.”

In addition he added the success of meetings “should be measured on the quality of the decisions and commitments agreed to, not just on costs and number of participants considerations only.”

The delegation visited the conference site and had detailed discussions with the sub-committees on conference arrangements, venue, partnerships, ICT, and security. The Mission team was deeply appreciative of the courtesies extended by the Samoan Government, especially the Prime Minister, his colleagues and the National Coordinator.