Minister for Women, Community and Social Development Laga'aia Ti'aituau Tufuga is leading the Samoa delegation at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, held from 10 to 21 March. 

The session’s focus is on reviewing the progress and challenges related to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly.

Laga’aia shared his thoughts on the importance of the CSW69 conference and emphasised the need to address the growing concern of abuse within communities. 

"I know I’m new in this role, but I thank God for everything. I have three daughters and many grandchildren. I don’t need to look far to know the importance of the work of the Ministry," he said, reflecting on his personal connection to the issues being discussed.

Laga’aia highlighted the urgency of the matter, noting the negative changes in society’s behavior. “The way the world is today—it’s not easy. People have forgotten how to speak kindly or the meaning of alofa. 

"Our fa’a Samoa is about alofa, fa’aaloalo, ma o lau gagana, e ese ma le tauā tele, (Our Samoan culture is about love, respect and our language - that is very important)  but it is heartbreaking to see how abusive people have become," he continued. 

"This meeting is important—to learn, to find ways to stop these behaviours. I would never want my grandchildren to grow up in an environment like this.”

The Minister underscored that gender equality must be grounded in the values of respect, patience, and kindness. 

“Gender equality is rooted in respect, patience, and alofa—values that define our Pacific identity,” he remarked, reminding the global community that, for Samoa, these values are central to how society operates. He stressed the importance of kindness in leadership and community-building, stating, “No matter what, there is always a way. And if you can’t be nice, stop. Don’t stand up if you are going to be abusive. Wait until you are ready to speak with kindness.”

Laga’aia also called for action to address these issues from an early age, emphasising the critical role of parents and educators in shaping future generations. 

Reflecting on the recent Early Childhood Development (ECD) Framework launch, he said, “We must start with our children, to teach them well, but it means parents have to be better as role models!”

Laga'aia also stated that people need to think carefully before they speak and to choose words that uplift, actions that protect, and environments that nurture dignity and respect. 

With his leadership, Samoa is making an impactful contribution to the global conversation on gender equality at CSW69.

The ongoing CSW69 conference provides a vital platform for Member States to discuss and evaluate the progress of gender equality, particularly with respect to the Beijing Declaration and its 30-year review.