Moves are underway within various Government Ministries and agencies to implement the second Samoa National Employment Policy 2022–2026 (S.N.E.P.2).

The new policy focuses on promoting integrated policy interventions at the Government level to ensure a job-rich recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the efforts to begin the implementation of the policy, a seminar was held at Tanoa Hotel on Monday and Tuesday this week.

The National Coordinator of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Samoa, Laufiso Tomasi Peni, said the seminar is the first step to putting in place long-term processes to implement the S.N.E.P.2.

"This seminar is designed to bring together most of the respective implementation agencies to equip them with the required knowledge to understand the S.N.E.P.2. implementation requirements and the design of tools and tactics to implement the interventions successfully," Laufiso told Samoa Observer. 

"The seminar is designed to respond to national needs and carries out innovative, practical settings and lessons learned. It builds on the ILO experience in the design and implementation of employment policies."

According to the ILO official, the aims of the seminar were to strengthen the governance capacity and management for the implementation of the S.N.E.P.2.

"During the seminar, participants will explore different approaches to implementation based on national dialogue," Laufiso added.

"The outcome of the dialogue is to lay out a roadmap for coordination and implementation across line ministries and social partners."

The seminar was conducted in person and online. 

The C.E.O. of the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour, Pulotu Lyndon Chiu Ling welcomed the participants and acknowledged the presence of Martin Karlmli (ILO Director for Pacific Island Countries),  CEOs of Government Ministries and heads of private entities, presidents of employees and workers associations as well as members of SNTF Forum.

"It’s my pleasure to be part of this joint event by the International Labour Organization (ILO)  in collaboration with MCIL on behalf of the Honourable Minister and staff of the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour to  host this seminar on the Implementation of SNEP 2 – (2021/2022 - 2025/2026)," Pulotu said. 

"The aim of the Seminar is to equip policy-makers in Samoa and build the capacity of Key Implementing Agencies with skills required for the SNEP implementation, as well as the design of tools and tactics to successfully implement agreed interventions."

"The overall objective of the seminar is to pave the pathway of putting NEP framework int practice and strengthen the governance capacity and management for the implementation of the S.N.E.P.2."

He then emphasised the importance of a concerted effort and indicated that the Ministry’s intention is for the key implementing agencies, stakeholder, Implementers and  participants of the event to realise the importance of collective effort through working in partnership for the successful implementation of new policy.

"May I take this opportunity  to convey gratitude  to CEOs of Government Ministries and Corporations, Heads of Private Entities and the Business Community, Presidents of Employers and Employees Associations for availing your precious time to attend this important  event," he said.

The ILO National coordinator was also acknowledged for his assistance in providing financial support through his organisation.

"A special tribute to the ILO through the National Coordinator, Susuga Laufiso Tomasi Peni  for the continuous support  by providing financial assistance which assisted the ministry to fund the numerous projects inclusive this Seminar for capacity building."