LocationsStrengthening Future-Ready Governance through Foresight Policy Training
July 20, 2026
Certificate presentation at the end of the training
Apia, SAMOA – Government officials and key stakeholders gathered in Apia last week for a two-day Foresight for Governance for Resilient Policy Training, aimed at equipping public, private and civil society sector leaders with practical tools to anticipate future challenges, strengthen policymaking, and build more resilient governance systems.
Jointly organized by the Samoa Public Service Commission (PSC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the training catered for representatives from government ministries, the private sector and civil society in Samoa and the Cook Islands, to explore how strategic foresight can help governments navigate uncertainty and make better long-term decisions.
Public Service Commission Secretary, Aootumua Kolone Tikeri, highlighted the importance of preparing Samoa's public service to respond proactively to emerging challenges.
"This programme builds capability in anticipating different possibilities, which is closely aligned with our aspirations under the Public Administration Sector Plan and the Public Service Commission’s three pillars: Leadership Development, Performance and Ethics, and Good Governance."
Deputy Resident Representative, Paolo Dalla Stella, reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to supporting governments across the Pacific in strengthening governance systems that are adaptive, inclusive, and resilient.
Certificate presentation at the end of the training
"As the Pacific faces increasingly complex challenges—from climate change and economic uncertainty to rapid technological change—governments need new approaches to policymaking. Strategic foresight helps leaders look beyond immediate challenges, identify emerging trends, and design policies that are more responsive, resilient, and future-focused. Through our partnership with the Public Service Commission, UNDP is proud to support Samoa, and other islands under our Multi-Country Office, in strengthening these capabilities, especially across the public service."
The interactive training was led by UNDP’s Strategic Foresight Advisor, James Mudge, supported by Stakeholder Engagement Advisor, Pauli Prince Suhren, and Co-Trainer, Tapusoa Senele Tualaulelei from PSC. Participants engaged in practical exercises that introduced foresight methodologies, including horizon scanning, sensemaking, futures storytelling, visioning, and policy design.
Participants explored how to identify emerging trends, understand the forces shaping the future, develop alternative future scenarios, and apply foresight techniques to real-world policy and decision-making challenges. The training concluded with sessions focused on translating foresight into practical governance and policy applications.
The training forms part of broader efforts by the Government of Samoa and UNDP to strengthen governance systems that are anticipatory, evidence-based, and resilient, ensuring Samoa is well-positioned to respond to an increasingly complex and uncertain future.
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
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