Samoa has handed over the chairmanship of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Council of Member States to Mauritius after leading the council’s 64th meeting in Maseru, Lesotho.
The meeting brought together ministers and senior officials from across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Europe to discuss digital development priorities across the Commonwealth.
Samoa was represented by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Agaseata Tanuvasa Valelio Peto Tanuvasa, and the Chief Executive Officer of MCIT, Leasioloafalepou Ronnie Aiolupotea.
The Council was held alongside the Commonwealth Digital Roadshow in Lesotho. Discussions focused on the digital future of Commonwealth member states, including stronger cooperation, inclusive digital development and ICT growth across the region.
Minister Agaseata chaired the opening of the Council and thanked the Government of Lesotho for hosting the event. He also acknowledged the work of the CTO in bringing member countries together to discuss shared digital priorities.
During the gathering, the Minister presented ula fala from Samoa to Lesotho’s Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Nthati Moorosi, CTO Secretary-General Bernadette Lewis, and the incoming chair, Mauritius.
The gesture reflected Samoa’s support for the work of the CTO and its relationship with other Commonwealth members.
Following the handover, Mauritius now holds the chairmanship of the Council. Uganda was named 1st Vice-Chair, Grenada as 2nd Vice-Chair, while Samoa remains on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past-Chair.
Cameroon, Lesotho and Mozambique were also named as Executive Committee members.
MCIT said Samoa’s continued place on the Executive Committee reflects the country’s role in supporting digital development across the Commonwealth.
The Ministry said it remains committed to working with regional and international partners toward a more connected and digitally resilient future for Samoa and the wider Commonwealth.
This article is based on a press release from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Government of Samoa.
