Mr Sardar Umar Alam, the UNESCO Representative and the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office of the Pacific States, made a courtesy visit to the Honourable Prime Minister of Samoa, Afioga Lauligemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi, to reestablish the relationships between the Government of Samoa and UNESCO.

The meeting highlights the common interest of UNESCO and Samoa in enhancing collaboration in the fields of education, culture and science as a way of meeting the national priorities of Samoa’s development, and the Pacific region agenda at large.

Conferences were held on improving collaboration on the entire mandate of UNESCO, which includes quality education for all, protection of cultural heritage, the advancement of scientific research and innovation, and the empowerment of youth and communities to tackle the global issues.

Mr Alam thanked the Government and people of Samoa with much sincerity for their continued support, especially in hosting the UNESCO regional office of the Pacific states in Apia. The office was set up in September 1984 and has over 40 years of history of heading the work in UNESCO in the 17 countries of the Pacific Islands, facilitating regional collaboration and capacity building.

The meeting also remembered some major achievements of the Samoa-UNESCO relationship. On 3 April 1981, Samoa joined UNESCO as a Member State and will observe 45 years of membership in 2026, which is an indication of the continued adherence of the country to the values and ideals of peace and sustainable development promoted by UNESCO.

Mr Alam recognised the significant place of Samoa as a powerful voice in the Pacific and how its continued association empowers UNESCO to assist the Pacific states in critical matters like climate education, cultural heritage protection, science policies, disaster resistance and involvement of young people.

Honourable Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa expressed his interest in further cooperation and affirmed that Samoa is willing to cooperate with UNESCO in the development of inclusive and transformative programs that would be of help to Samoan communities and lead to regional solidarity.

It was agreed at the meeting that more cooperation will be enhanced in the future, as this will enhance the status of Samoa as a good partner and host nation to the UNESCO work in the Pacific.