Samoa is poised to realise the benefits of enhanced data quality, governance, and public service delivery, contributing to sustainable development across the nation.

In a significant step towards bolstering Samoa's Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has transferred vital IT equipment to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS).

This will ensure the continuity of efforts independently. 

This milestone, highlighted in their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), underscored the commitment of both institutions to enhance CRVS in Samoa.

Leota Aliielua Salani, CEO of Samoa Bureau of Statistics, expressed gratitude for the equipment, emphasizing its crucial role in births, deaths, and marriage registrations, data management, advocacy programs, and ensuring data quality. 

The equipment facilitates validations and checks during the registration process, ensuring trusted, high-quality data collection.

The collaboration between SBS and UNDP yielded remarkable progress in recent years, evidenced by the revitalisation of the CRVS steering committee and a study tour to New Zealand to learn best practices. 

Additionally, a jointly developed prototype CRVS solution tailored to Samoa's needs signified a significant leap forward in modernising the country's system.

UNDP said they remained committed to advancing the CRVS project in Samoa alongside SBS, with plans for real-world testing of the prototype, interoperability assessments, and digitization strategies for paper-based records. 

Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative, emphasized the broader societal transformation potential of the partnership, aiming to strengthen governance, public service delivery, and empower communities.

Looking ahead, SBS and UNDP will collaborate on crafting a comprehensive master plan for transitioning to the advanced CRVS system. 

This roadmap seeks to facilitate a smooth and inclusive transition process, laying the foundation for Samoa's digital transformation and enhancing governance and public service delivery.

The transfer of vital IT equipment marks a significant milestone in Samoa's journey towards a robust CRVS system.