Apia, Samoa – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Samoa as part of his Pacific tour. This is his first visit to Samoa in his capacity as U.N. Secretary-General.
During his visit, Guterres participated in a traditional Samoan Ava Ceremony in Apia, an important cultural event.
The Secretary-General’s trip to Samoa focuses on key issues including climate change, sustainable development, and strengthening partnerships between the U.N. and Pacific Island nations. Samoa, like many Pacific nations, according to the U.N., faces challenges “including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, extreme temperatures, and an increasing frequency of natural disasters.”
Guterres is expected to engage with Samoan leaders and other stakeholders during his stay, discussing strategies to address the impacts of climate change and to further the goals of sustainable development in the region.
