The Government of Samoa officially handed over the newly completed wing of the One UN House in Tuanaimato to the United Nations. 

Held on Friday, the auspicious event aligned with the United Nation's Secretary General, Antonio Guterres's visit to the country. 

The UN relocated to Tuanaimato in 2017, taking over a facility initially used for the UN’s Third SIDS Conference hosted by Samoa in 2014. 

The new wing, completed as part of Samoa's commitment to UN efficiency reforms, aims to consolidate 15 UN agencies currently operating in Samoa. 

This integration is expected to enhance coordination and effectiveness in addressing Samoa's and the wider Pacific region's development needs.

Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, Samoa’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, highlighted the significance of the new wing in facilitating a unified approach among UN agencies to meet national and regional development goals, including those of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau.

Secretary-General Guterres expressed gratitude towards the Samoan Government for its exceptional support, commending their generosity despite various challenges. 

He praised Samoa for its advocacy in international climate negotiations and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, underscoring the nation's role as a staunch supporter of multilateralism.

The Secretary-General's visit also marked the launch of the UN joint programme, “Catalyzing the Samoa National Food Systems Transformation Agenda through Collective Action,” funded by the joint SDG fund. 

The initiative, launched by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Laauli Leuatea Polataivao, and Minister of Health, Valasi Tafito Selesele, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization, aims to advance Samoa’s food systems transformation.

Guterres’ two-day visit underscores the UN’s solidarity with Samoa and the Pacific region as they confront critical issues like climate change and sustainable development.