Samoa Pathway Mid-Term review ends on a high note

03 November 2018, 12:00AM

GOVT. PRESS SECRETARIAT - In closing the Small Islands Developing States (S.I.D.S.) Samoa Pathway Mid-Term Review in Apia, Chairman and Samoa’s C.E.O. of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peseta Noumea Simi, urged the S.I.D.S. family that the struggle for international recognition is far from over.

“We should guard against our purposely-tailored development pathway from being buried, side-lined or even compromised by competing agendas of global significance in an environment of finite resources,” reiterated Peseta in her closing remarks.

“We are aware of the gaps and where our focused attention should go and that there will always be associated challenges,” she continued. “But we know that it can be done – we have noted SIDS and partners alike who have taken ownership of the Samoa Pathway process and have targeted specific efforts and resources to accelerate action and progress.” 

She assured the 200 plus international delegates that the Samoa Declaration on climate change and the outcome Document of this interregional preparatory meeting will suitably arm SIDS with a platform towards an appropriate political declaration to the High level review in 2019.

The following is Madame Chair Peseta Noumea Simi’s full Closing Statement;

 

Excellencies

Ladies and gentlemen

 

The adoption of the Outcome Document and the Samoa declaration on climate change today are important milestones in our journey of reflections on where we are and whether the SAMOA Pathway is on  course towards its development horizons of our oceanic geography. 

We must be aware that, it falls on us all SIDS to own the SAMOA Pathway and lead in its implementation if it is to be accorded recognition seriously by others. We should guard against our purposely-tailored development pathway from being buried, side-lined or even compromised by competing agendas of global significance in an environment of finite resources.

We have all contributed to the stock take beginning with the  regional preparatory meetings, we have been supported in our findings through the in-depth analysis of the Partnership framework; we have launched the national focal point mechanism for better coherence and coordination of implementation and accountability.

We are aware of the gaps and where our focused attention should go and that there will always be associated challenges. But we know that it can be done – we have noted SIDS and partners alike who have taken ownership of the Samoa Pathway process and have targeted specific efforts and resources to accelerate action and progress.

Underpinning the need to attain sustained, equitable and inclusive economic and social growth for SIDS is the need for close international cooperation and the development and understanding of what constitutes genuine and durable partnerships, with a wide outreach of stakeholders, towards the achievement of sustainable development. 

Climate change will remain a priority of all SIDS. We remain vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and the wrath of ever frequent natural disasters. We cannot graduate from being SIDS but some SIDS have been graduated out of ODA receiving countries. 

The Samoa Declaration on climate change and the outcome Document of this interregional preparatory meeting will suitably arm us all with a platform towards an appropriate political declaration to the High level review in 2019.

Before I close, I wish to thank first of all the SIDS family and for all our partners who have supported the participation of the members. 

Your constructive and interactive dialogue has been valuable. 

I also recognize with appreciation the efforts of the organizers of the meeting, UNDESA and SIDS Unit, the office of the High representative, likewise we would also thank UNDP and all the UN nations for their support technical and otherwise. 

We thank the partners involved in the Partnership Framework.

 If we have omitted anyone unintentionally, kindly accept our regrets.  On your departure from Samoa may you have safe travels home and May God bless you all.

03 November 2018, 12:00AM
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