Apia, Samoa – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi-Country Office in Samoa is this week hosting the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Kanni Wignaraja, for her first official visit to the country.

Ms. Wignaraja’s visit aims to strengthen ties between UNDP and the Government of Samoa, as has been evident in her inaugural meetings with the Hon. Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, the Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – key Ministries that UNDP partners with in its work in Samoa.

The engagements provided an opportunity to discuss UNDP’s work and contribution to Samoa’s development priorities, including climate change, the energy transition, access to affordable development finance, gender equality and social cohesion.

Ms. Wignaraja reinforced UNDP’s commitment to the Government and people of Samoa in helping them to achieve the ambition of the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021/22 - 2025/26, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“The key elements of any strengthened partnership include the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding roles and responsibilities, commitments, evidence-based decision-making and mutual respect – nothing should ever be taken for granted,” said Prime Minister Fiame.

Ms. Wignaraja has also held dialogues with development partners, the United Nations Country Team and civil society representatives on development opportunities and challenges for Samoa.  

“I deeply value and appreciate the trust and partnership with the Government of Samoa and the communities that I have had the privilege to meet with. The support and collaboration with our development partners and the United Nations system enables UNDP to extend its contributions to the country behind Samoa’s national priorities,” said Ms. Wignaraja.

Ms. Wignaraja visited communities to witness their leadership in local development initiatives and impact in the areas of environmental sustainability and ending violence against women and girls.

Her final engagement in Samoa will be a policy dialogue on leveraging the Blue Economy for Gender Equality, an event co-hosted by UNDP and the National University of Samoa. This event will be followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.

-ENDS-

For media queries, please contact: 
Laufaleaina Lesa, UNDP Multi Country Office, Samoa|Tel. +685 23670 | E: laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org 
www.ws.undp.org | @UNDP in Samoa, Cook Islands, Tokelau & Niue | @undpsamoa