Dr. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Samoa, paid a courtesy visit to Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, to discuss various initiatives aimed at enhancing the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The meeting focused on how UNESCO can support sustainable development in these areas, particularly in empowering women and fostering environmentally friendly technologies.
Dr. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle has extensive experience in leading regional development programs with a focus on sustainable practices and women’s empowerment. She has been at the forefront of UNESCO’s efforts to promote innovation and sustainability in the Pacific region.
Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, has been driving key policies to enhance Samoa’s agricultural output and promote sustainable fishing practices. He has been pushing for increased in-country food development to reduce reliance on imports.
Among the topics covered were environment-friendly cooling technologies for fisheries, the integration of Samoa’s traditional knowledge into food systems transformation, and the establishment of a Food Science Centre at the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS). Additionally, they addressed potential support UNESCO could offer during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, according to Laauli’s FB post.
