Samoa’s delegation has gathered for a preparatory briefing ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting [C.H.O.G.M.], with a focus on carrying forward Samoa’s 2024 hosting legacy and strengthening partnerships that deliver opportunities for its people. Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Mulipola Anarosa ‘Ale – Molio’o is leading the delegation on behalf of the Prime Minister as Samoa prepares to hand over the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office to Antigua and Barbuda.
The handover concludes Samoa’s chairmanship following its historic hosting of C.H.O.G.M. in 2024, when Samoa became the first Pacific Small Island Developing State to host the meeting.
Hon. Moefa’auouo Julius Ah Kui Tafuna’i, Minister of Family and Social Affairs, brings Samoa’s continuing leadership on youth development to the week’s engagements through his role as Co Chair of the Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force, alongside Pakistan.
Samoa’s participation also builds on its hosting of the Commonwealth Women’s Forum in 2024, advancing cooperation on gender equality, women’s leadership and economic empowerment, and ending violence against women and girls. During the delegation briefing, H.E. Francella Strickland and M.F.S.A. Chief Executive Officer Loau Donina Va’a reflected on Samoa’s hosting achievements, progress since 2024 and opportunities for the week ahead. The discussion reinforced the importance of translating international engagement into practical benefits for families and communities.
For M.F.S.A., these priorities include violence prevention through Pola Puipui, early childhood development and the Child Wellbeing Benefit, youth development, disability inclusion and women’s economic empowerment. Resilient Spirit celebrates the leadership and contribution of Samoan women, while Lalaga le Vā connects families, communities and partners to turn shared commitments into action. Samoa’s 2024 welcome extended beyond conference venues.
The Women’s, Youth and People’s Forums, Gaualofa, Torch of Change, “Adopt a Country” initiative and Manaia Market brought culture, community participation and enterprise into the Commonwealth gathering. Villages, volunteers, businesses and families helped give that welcome its heart.
That spirit continues in Antigua and Barbuda, where Samoa will share its experience, learn from other countries and pursue cooperation that supports national priorities. Led by the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Mulipola Anarosa ‘Ale – Molio’o. Samoa’s delegation includes:
- Hon. Moefa’auouo Julius Ah Kui Tafuna’i, Minister of Family and Social Affairs, accompanied by his wife, Margaret Roberta Tafuna’i;
- H.E. Francella Strickland;
- Noelani Manoa, Deputy Head of Mission;
- Loau Donina Va’a, Chief Executive Officer – M.F.S.A.;
- Mataia Meritiana Fepulea’i – Tanuvasa, Principal Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister;
- Ana Leau Vaasa – Te’o, A.C.E.O., Women, Men and Inclusion – M.F.S.A.;
- Iliganoa Feagaimaalii Soti Mapu and Tapunu’u Vensel Margraff, Youth Representatives;
- Miriama Betham, A.C.E.O., Protocols, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and
- Henry Tunupopo, A.C.E.O., Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Samoa’s wider contribution includes independent human rights leadership through its Office of the Ombudsman and National Human Rights Institution. As Chair of the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions, the Office organised the Forum’s Biennial Conference in Antigua and Barbuda on 29 – 30 October 2026.
At the Commonwealth Women’s Forum, Loau Donina Va’a and Lagafuaina Tavita, Director of the Special Investigations Unit at Samoa’s Office of the Ombudsman | N.H.R.I., will contribute to discussions on strengthening accountability for gender-based violence in an evolving digital landscape.
M.F.S.A. acknowledges the ministries, partners, volunteers, villages and families whose contributions shaped Samoa’s hosting and continue to sustain its legacy. As Antigua and Barbuda welcomes the Commonwealth family, Samoa extends friendship and support from the Pacific to the Caribbean.
Samoa’s chairmanship concludes, but its commitment to unity, inclusion, service and peace continues. The purpose of the week ahead is to strengthen relationships that create lasting opportunities for people at home.
Issued by: Press & Communication Division | Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet – Government of Samoa
