The Second World Summit for Social Development closed in Doha this week with Samoa placing the focus on families, villages, and practical community systems that have shaped its development for the last three decades. The meeting, held from 4 to 6 November 2025, brought together around 160 countries to consider how societies can better support people through poverty, inequality, climate pressure, and demographic change. Samoa’s National Statement was delivered by the Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, Moefa‘auouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai.
The Summit marks thirty years since the first World Social Summit in Copenhagen. The gathering adopted the Doha Political Declaration which reaffirms international commitments to poverty reduction, stronger social protection, and a global push for dignity in public policy. This year’s host, the Government of Qatar, worked with the United Nations to reconvene countries in what many described as a long-overdue global discussion on social development.
In his address, the Minister thanked the United Nations and the State of Qatar, acknowledging the leadership of His Highness the Amir in bringing governments back into the same room after three decades. His opening message was straightforward: localisation works, inclusion delivers, and families remain the anchor of resilience. He said Samoa’s direction continues to be shaped by fa‘a Samoa and the spirit of alofa, placing people at the centre — especially those who are most at risk of being left behind.
The Minister described the present global climate as an era of conflict, climate instability, widening inequality, and heavy pressure on young populations. He said the response cannot be vague. Governments must act with courage, clarity, inclusion, cooperation, and trust.
Samoa’s Framework: Family, Culture, and Community Governance
Samoa’s model, as presented in Doha, rests on three areas that have guided the country since independence: faith, fa‘a Samoa, and the strength of Aiga ma Nu‘u Manuia — Healthy Families, Resilient Communities. The system relies on family bonds, cultural protocols, and village-level leadership. Gender equality and inclusion are part of this framework, not additions to it.
Two national programmes were placed before the Summit as examples of how Samoa is organising its social policies in practice. The District Development Programme (DDP) decentralises development and gives every district the means to shape its own priorities. The Early Childhood Development Framework 2024–2034 focuses on the earliest years of life, linking care, early learning, disability inclusion, and family support.
Both programmes rest on the idea that social development is not abstract. It happens when families, villages, and children are seen, supported, and valued.
Poverty Reduction Through Empowerment
The Minister outlined key achievements under the DDP, including WST 1 million allocated to each district. Twenty percent of this amount — more than USD 3 million across all districts — is set aside exclusively for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GEDSI). This allocation was endorsed in 2024 and is now part of the way districts plan their work.
He also noted the National Social Protection Policy which seeks equitable access for vulnerable groups and confirmed that women now hold more than half of senior leadership positions in the public service. Poverty, he said, cannot be understood only in financial terms. It is also a question of dignity, agency, and opportunity. Samoa’s current focus is on three community-based levers: the Pola Puipui 10-year violence-prevention roadmap, the Social Protection Policy, and the DDP’s GEDSI allocation.
Youth, Employment, and Leadership
Youth unemployment has fallen sharply. A decade ago it was close to 50 percent. The latest figure stands at 11.9 percent, with national unemployment dropping below 5 percent. Under the DDP and various entrepreneurship programmes, young people are starting businesses and taking the lead in community-based projects. With 67 percent of Samoa’s population under the age of 35, the Minister said youth participation is already shaping development, not waiting for it.
Health, Education, and Early Childhood Development
Life expectancy has climbed to 76 years. The ECD programme is designed to give wrap-around support across health, nutrition, early learning, and disability inclusion, tying community health systems together with early childhood services.
From July 2026, the government will introduce free education from ECE through to tertiary, along with free healthy lunches in schools. The Pola Puipui programme works alongside these changes to strengthen families, churches, and village structures so that violence is prevented and homes are safe for children.
Values and Emerging Pressures
The Minister restated that the aiga — guided by Christian values and fa‘a Samoa — remains the first line of care for children, elders, and persons with disabilities. However, he outlined several pressures that the country cannot ignore. Climate change threatens lives, livelihoods, and Samoa’s long-term sovereignty. Youth disengagement requires better skills development and innovation. Economic growth must not come at the expense of the ocean or the ecosystems that sustain village life.
Looking ahead to COP30, he said commitments without action will not save small island states.
Financing Justice and Responsible Technology
The Minister drew attention to the USD 4 trillion development financing gap that affects countries across the world. He called for debt relief mechanisms that strengthen sustainable development rather than undermine it. Samoa, he said, remains committed to climate-aligned health systems, climate-resilient agriculture, and responsible digital transformation. Technology, in his view, must support people rather than replace them.
Samoa’s Delegation
The delegation to Doha was led by the Minister and included Ambassador Dr Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Pa’olelei Luteru from the Permanent Mission in New York, Ambassador Toleafoa Nella Pepe Levy from the Permanent Mission in Geneva, and MWCSD Chief Executive Officer Loau Donina Tili Vaa. The team took part in high-level dialogues, technical roundtables, and discussions on community-centred leadership.
Their message in every forum returned to the same foundation: Samoa’s approach is shaped by faith, culture, and the belief that every family and every village deserves the opportunity to thrive. The Minister concluded that Samoa is not yet fully on track, but the pathway is clear and the country walks it with determination.
