Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa officially opened the Peer and Collective Learning (PCL) Talanoa for Polynesian Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Apia on Monday. The event reflects Samoa’s commitment to disability inclusion.
Speaking at the Sheraton Hotel, Fiame highlighted Samoa’s progress since ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2016.
“Our National Disability Policy translates the CRPD into national action, ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are realised through services and access to opportunities,” she said.
She noted that Samoa was one of the first three Pacific nations to produce a disability monograph using data from the 2016 census. She also pointed to a cash transfer program introduced in 2021 through partnerships with UN agencies and Nuanua o le Alofa (NOLA), a key disability advocacy group.
“We acknowledge the commitment and leadership of Nuanua o le Alofa in working alongside the government to make a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities and their families,” Fiame said.
The PCL Talanoa forum, supported by the Disability Rights Fund, brings together representatives from across Polynesia to exchange experiences and discuss solutions.
“This dialogue is about learning, supporting growth, and enabling development. It’s an opportunity to remove barriers, influence systems, and ensure that no one is left behind,” she told attendees.
Fiame also recognised the role of governments in ensuring disability inclusion across public services, including healthcare, employment, and education.
“We must ensure that specific services, such as sign language interpretation, peer support, and personal assistance, are in place to enable full participation,” she said.
She concluded by encouraging participants to use the forum to advance disability rights across the region.
“I wish you well in your discussions. I now declare this meeting officially open.”
