5 Year National Plan – Pathway for the Development of Samoa launched

Samoa’s 5-year National Plan – titled the Pathway for the Development of Samoa, was launched on the 25^th February 2022 at the Samoa Convention Center – Tatte Building.

The Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS) focuses on three thematic areas which are: “Empowering communities, Building resilience, and Inspiring growth”. These in turn supports the Government’s long-term vision of “Fostering Social Harmony, Safety and Freedom for All.”

The Honorable Prime Minister – Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa delivered the keynote address for the occasion and in her remarks reiterated Government’s commitment to enabling the people of Samoa to cope with the challenges and uncertainties of today’s world. “This is evident in the PDS placing great emphasis on initiatives that promote social harmony and shared prosperity; relying heavily on robust partnerships and community engagement to drive the nation towards sustainable growth and resilience.” She went on to say, “but people cannot achieve this alone. Change for the better requires wide community engagement. Meaningful collaboration and local ownership are crucial to social harmony and shared prosperity within our communities.”

The Key Strategic Outcomes pursued in this national plan aims to improve social, economic, governance, environmental, and infrastructural development.

The Prime Minister stated…“Social development sits at the forefront of Government’s efforts to build capacities, minimize vulnerabilities, and provide equal access to opportunities for all who live in Samoa. This will be founded on sustainable and diversified economic development.”

“The protection of people’s rights and integrity of governance systems will be prioritized, as will securing partnerships that can benefit Samoa.”

“Environmental conservation and sustainability remain crucial in building resilience, as well as strengthening measures towards climate change mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk management.”

“The Government will also invest in affordable, resilient, and well-maintained infrastructure, so to provide the platform upon which overall sustainable development can be pursued.”

The Prime Minister also acknowledged and expressed her gratitude to all who contributed to the development of the PDS, noting the village communities, the private sector, civil society, non-government organizations, development partners, and all government agencies.

Another launch ceremony for the PDS was held in Savaii on the 4^th March, 2022 at the Apita o Pisaga Hall at Salelologa.

Both occasions were well-attended by members of Cabinet and Parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corp, Government dignitaries, representatives of various national stakeholders, and members of the community including Sui o Nu’u and Sui Tama’ita’i o Nu’u.