Apia, SAMOA – The Government of Tokelau and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) convened the Tokelau Governance and Leadership Programme Validation Workshop at the Tanoa Hotel from 8-12 June 2026, bringing together national leaders, government representatives and technical experts to validate findings from key assessments aimed at strengthening governance systems across Tokelau.

The workshop focused on the findings of the Governance Audit and Digital Governance Gaps Analysis, undertaken through a joint initiative between the Government of Tokelau and the UNDP Samoa Multi-Country Office. The assessments were designed to provide a stronger evidence base for understanding Tokelau’s governance landscape, identifying institutional strengths, digital capacities and readiness, and highlighting areas where reforms and systems improvements are needed.

"Good governance provides a transparent and accountable platform for building a stronger nation through effective management of our limited resources, leading to sustainable development and improved quality of life for Tokelau," said Ulu o Tokelau, Afioga Aliki Faipule, Alapati Pita Tavite.

The engagement reflects broader efforts under the UNDP Multi-Country Programme Document (MCPD) 2023–2027, which seek to strengthen effective, accountable, and adaptive governance systems across the Pacific region. These are also embedded in the Government of Tokelau’s National Strategic Plan (TNSP) 2021-2026 with a major focus on strengthening governance and leadership.

“UNDP reaffirms its commitment to supporting Tokelau in building governance systems that are responsive, inclusive, and grounded in the realities and aspirations of its people,” said UNDP Resident Representative, Aliona Niculita.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of future-ready and shock-resilient governance structures capable of responding to emerging risks and changing development challenges.

Discussions emphasized strengthening legal, policy, and institutional frameworks while fostering inclusive collaboration across government, civil society, and the private sector.

Participants noted the growing importance of digital transformation in governance and public administration, particularly in ensuring accessibility, efficiency, transparency, and improved service delivery for communities across Tokelau.

The validation workshop marks an important step towards shaping practical and locally-driven governance reforms that support sustainable development and resilience for the people of Tokelau.  

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 | https://www.facebook.com/undpsamoa