GOVT. PRESS SECRETARIAT – Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi is urging the high-level delegation gathered in Apia this week to support Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S.) in the outcome of their discussions. 

As hosts of the Mid-Term Review of the Samoa Pathway taking place at the TATTE Convention Center this week, Prime Minister Tuilaepa reiterated the same message he’s been sending out to world leaders to reaffirm hope for the S.I.D.S. family.

“Fittingly, one of the deliverables of your meeting will be the launch of the ‘Samoa Declaration on Climate Change in the context of Sustainable Development for SIDS’,” Tuilaepa said.  

“This is timely coming at the heels of the recently launched special scientific report by the IPCC on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 Degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels,” said the Samoan Leader.

 “While the overall message is frightening, given the disastrous impacts such a scenario will have on SIDS, it still offers hope for the most vulnerable, but only if the worlds has the heart and willingness to respond is a far reaching and decisive way to do what is humanely, economically and morally correct.”

“The moment of truth for SIDS is here. Utilize wisely this week’s interregional meeting.”

Tuilaepa said he expected discussions to be engaging, interactive, productive and pragmatic and linking all key actors who share a similar agenda and drive, to support SIDS in their efforts to achieve sustainable economic developments.

“The SAMOA Pathway strongly reaffirmed the categorisation of SIDS as a special group in need of special attention given their inherent vulnerabilities and the unique and special circumstances they all face not by choice and of their making,” he said. 

“We remain vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and the wrath of ever frequent natural disaster.”

At a joint press conference after the official opening ceremonies, Tuilaepa reiterated the same call for SIDS and stakeholders to take advantage of the review to ensure that no one is left behind.

 “In 2014 Samoa hosted the SIDS Conference and endorsed the outcome document - SAMOA Pathway.  This Meeting is an opportunity for SIDS to do an honest assessment of what has been achieved since that Conference.”

“Prior to this meeting, there were three regional preparatory meetings.  The Pacific SIDS held its preparatory meeting in Tonga. Samoa is very happy that the SAMOA Pathway has returned to its namesake and birthplace with the hosting of this Inter regional preparatory meeting for its midterm review.”

“We are pleased to welcome around 200 delegates from overseas representing Small Island Developing States, United Nations Agencies and other International and regional organization, Our Development Partners and stakeholders. 

“Samoa also welcomes the opportunity for Samoa government officials and our partners representing the private sector, civil society organizations and communities to participate in the meeting and its side events.”

The meeting continues throughout this week with a range of side events organised for SIDS message of hope to be visible and audibly received by the rest of the world.

 “Next year the United Nations will review the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway therefore this meeting is our opportunity as SIDS to discuss achievements, assess gaps and look at how to accelerate the implementation of the SID agenda - the SAMOA Pathway.”