24 August 2024 – The Government of Samoa officially handed over the new wing of the One UN House in Tuanaimato to the United Nations on Friday, coinciding with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ visit to the country.
The UN relocated to Tuanaimato in 2017, following Samoa’s provision of facilities used during the UN’s Third SIDS Conference in 2014. The new wing aims to consolidate UN agencies within the Samoa Multi-Country Office, enhancing their collective work on national development for Samoa and neighboring territories, including the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau.
Hon. Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, representing the Government of Samoa, expressed hope that the new wing would further unify UN agencies under the shared premises, advancing the Secretary-General’s efficiency agenda as part of UN reform efforts.
Currently, 15 UN agencies operate in Samoa, with the new wing expected to house more agencies and bolster their collaborative efforts. Secretary-General Guterres commended Samoa for its generosity, emphasizing the government’s exceptional support despite facing significant challenges.
The visit also marked the launch of the UN joint program, “Catalyzing the Samoa National Food Systems Transformation Agenda through Collective Action,” funded by the joint SDG fund. This initiative was launched by Hon. Laauli Leuatea Polataivao, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Hon. Valasi Tafito Selesele, Minister of Health, alongside the Food and Agriculture Organization.
The Secretary-General’s two-day visit underscores the UN’s solidarity with Samoa and the broader Pacific region, particularly in addressing climate change and other pressing issues.
For more information: UN Communications Group: Laufa Lesa – [email protected] Jordanna Mareko – [email protected] Izola Garcia – [email protected] Scott Hussey – [email protected] Aterina Samasoni – [email protected]
