Samoa validates its NDC 3.0 ahead of COP30

MNRE and UNDP convene national validation workshop to align ambition and implementation.

October 1, 2025

Indoor conference hall with red backdrop; group on stage and a large seated audience. — MNRE and UNDP convene national validation workshop to align ambition and implementation.

MNRE

Apia, SAMOA – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), in close partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), convened a national validation workshop on Samoa’s draft Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 and a national Pre-COP30 consultation.

The Government-led process brings together public institutions, civil society, private sector and development partners to confirm a country-owned, actionable climate plan ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

Discussions focused on priority mitigation and adaptation measures—particularly in electricity, transport and waste—alongside resilience, loss and damage, AFOLU sector (Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use), gender and social inclusion, transparency and Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV).

Woman in an orange dress speaks at a podium on a stage, flanked by banners including Samoa's NDC 3.0. — Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena - MNRE CEO.

MNRE

“Samoa’s emissions are small – less than 0.01% of global totals. But our leadership is significant. By advancing a credible, inclusive, and ambitious NDC 3.0, Samoa strengthens its moral authority in the international climate negotiations. Our actions here in Apia ripple out to the Pacific and beyond, amplifying the message that climate ambition must be universal,” said Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena, MNRE CEO.

UNDP’s support to the two-day validation workshop and the drafting process for Samoa’s NDC 3.0 was provided through the UNDP Climate Promise, funded by the United Kingdom - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK-FCDO).

“Validating NDC 3.0 is about turning ambition into delivery,” said Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative. “Working hand-in-hand with MNRE, Samoa is strengthening a clear pathway to a dependable, clean and affordable energy future and a resilient economy. Arriving in Belém with a validated, country-owned NDC 3.0 will ensure Samoa’s voice is heard at the negotiating table.”

Next steps include consolidating stakeholder inputs, finalizing the NDC 3.0, the Investment Plan, and Samoa’s COP30 positions, and aligning partner support to accelerate implementation from 2026 onward.

Woman speaker at podium with a Tanoa sign beside a blue Samoa's NDC 3.0 banner. — UNDP Resident Representative, Aliona Niculita.

MNRE

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