Apia, SAMOA – The Government of Samoa officially launched Samoa’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) earlier this month at a high-level ceremony that brought together the Prime Minister of Samoa, Cabinet Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, development partners, civil society, academia, and youth representatives.

The Prime Minister’s presence at the launch reaffirmed the highest political endorsement for Samoa’s NDC 3.0 and the country’s determination to pursue resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development in line with global climate goals.

“This is more than a climate commitment. It is our national pathway to protect our people, our environment, and our future. Over the past year, we have worked closely with our communities, our ministries, and partners to shape this NDC. It is the voices, knowledge, and priorities of Samoa. These are not abstract targets. They represent our conviction that climate action and sustainable development are inseparable — that the path to resilience is the path to prosperity for Samoa,” said Hon. Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt.

NDC 3.0 introduces a strengthened absolute, economy-wide greenhouse gas reduction targets, representing a significant progression from NDC 2.0. It expands coverage to key sectors including energy, transport, waste, agriculture, and land use. Notably, the transport sector is included with clear measures for electric mobility, marine electrification, hybrid fleets, and energy efficiency.

The document also advances Samoa’s adaptation ambition through commitments on coastal protection, expanded mangrove and native forest restoration, resilient infrastructure, and improved health and food systems.

UNDP Resident Representative, Aliona Niculita acknowledged the Prime Minister’s leadership and the Government’s strong commitment to an ambitious and actionable climate agenda. She highlighted that Samoa’s leadership was recently showcased at COP30 in Belém, where NDC 3.0 received strong international recognition for its credibility, ambition, and readiness for implementation.

“NDC 3.0 is a people-centred, evidence-based and future-focused roadmap that strengthens resilience, accelerates the energy and transport transitions, and safeguards the ecosystems that sustain communities. UNDP is honoured to support this nationally-led process, and we remain committed to working alongside the Government and people of Samoa to turn ambition into tangible, lasting results,” said Ms. Niculita.

Although Samoa contributes only a negligible fraction of global emissions, NDC 3.0 places the country firmly on a 1.5°C-aligned pathway. As Samoa now enters the implementation phase, the NDC provides a clear, costed, and strategic foundation to guide investment, mobilize climate finance, and coordinate development partner support across priority sectors.

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