Apia, SAMOA – The Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organizations (SUNGO), with support from the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (PIANGO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted a capacity building workshop on public financial management (PFM) for local civil society organizations (CSOs).  

On 12 June 2026 in Apia with the theme, “Financing National Priorities in a Changing World,” the event brought together civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen engagement in Samoa’s PFM processes. The initiative was made possible through the Vaka Pasifika Project funded by the European Union.

The dialogue provided a platform for CSOs and development partners. The participants explored ways to better engage with national budgeting processes and examined the role of civil society in Samoa’s PFM systems.

“This is precisely where civil society steps in, bridging the gap between state policy and the people. To bring a people-centered approach to PFM, we need to work together,” said Emeline Ilolahia, Executive Director of PIANGO.

Led by SUNGO with technical support from PIANGO and UNDP, the platform equipped CSOs with practical knowledge of Samoa’s budget cycle, fiscal frameworks, and key financial documents. It also created a space for CSOs and development partners to explore how their work can better align with and support national policy and budget processes.

UNDP Resident Representative, Aliona Niculita, also emphasized the importance of inclusive engagement in shaping national development priorities: "The national budget is the most powerful expression of a country's priorities and commitments to its people. Ensuring that citizens can understand and meaningfully engage in this process is essential to achieving inclusive and sustainable development."

Participants explored key fiscal concepts including revenue, expenditure, and public debt as well as budget cycle and tools for budget analysis and advocacy, and reviewed collectively the Budget Address 2026/27 titled, “AIGA-Accelerating Inclusive Growth and Access.”

The dialogue aimed to move beyond awareness towards concrete and sustained participation. Through talanoa sessions, breakout groups, and group presentations, participants explored upcoming shifts in public finance and the people-centered oversight role of civil society. Participants identified national priorities and trade-offs reflected in the budget, developed key messages and advocacy priorities, and identified practical steps for sustained civil society engagement with national government budget and planning processes.

As the Vaka Pasifika Project enters its final phase, SUNGO and its partners highlighted the importance of ensuring that the knowledge, relationships, and tools developed through this event translate into sustained impact beyond the project's conclusion.

Effective public financial management is a shared responsibility. It depends on strong institutions, informed citizens, and continued dialogue. This platform is an important step toward building that shared commitment in Samoa.

About the Vaka Pasifika Project
The “Accountable Public Finances to serve Pacific people – Vaka Pasifika” project (hereafter known as the Vaka Pasifika project) addresses challenges in the oversight and accountability of public finance in the Pacific. It aims to provide a platform for subject matter experts, government officials and other key stakeholders to design tailored solutions. These solutions can then be supported by the project through funding and technical assistance. The project also provides opportunities for civil society and the media to better understand and engage with public finance cycles and for governments (national/local) to consult and engage with citizens on the budget. The Vaka Pasifika project is funded by the European Union until 2026. The project builds on the results of the “Strengthening Public Finance Management and Governance in the Pacific” project implemented between 2018 and 2022.

For media queries, please contact: 
Laufālē’ainā Lesā, Communications Analyst, UNDP Multi Country Office, Samoa | Tel. +685 23670 | E: laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org