The Honourable Moefa‘auouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai, Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development , today delivered Samoa’s National Statement at the 2nd World Summit for Social Development, held from 4–6 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar.
The Summit marks 30 years since the first World Social Summit in Copenhagen, bringing together around 160 countries including Heads of State and high-level representatives.
The Summit adopted the Doha Political Declaration, reaffirming global commitments to reducing poverty, strengthening social protection systems, and advancing human dignity.
The Summit Hosted by the Government of Qatar in partnership with the United Nations, this year’s gathering underscores the shared conviction that social development, equality, and dignity are moral imperatives and essential to peace and stability.
In his address, the Moefa’auouo expressed sincere appreciation to the United Nations and the State of Qatar — particularly His Highness the Amir — for their leadership and gracious hospitality in reconvening this global forum after three decades.
“Localisation works; inclusion delivers; and family anchors resilience,” said the Minister.
“Guided by fa‘a Samoa and the spirit of alofa, we continue to put people — especially those furthest behind — at the heart of development.”
He noted that the Summit convenes at a moment of global crisis — marked by conflict, climate destabilisation, rising inequality, and demographic pressure — calling for responses grounded in courage, clarity, inclusion, action, cooperation, and trust.
THIRTY YEARS OF PROGRESS: FA‘A SAMOA AT THE CENTRE
Hon. Moefa’auouo highlighted that Samoa’s social development journey has been anchored in our Christian faith, fa‘a Samoa, and our Aiga ma Nu‘u Manuia — Healthy Families, Resilient Communities.
Samoa’s model is rooted in family, culture, and community governance, with gender equality and inclusion at its core.
Two national flagships illustrate this:
• District Development Programme (DDP) — decentralising development to all 51 districts.
• Early Childhood Development Framework 2024–2034 — strengthening care, learning, and inclusion from the earliest years.
These ensure every family, village, and child is seen, supported, and valued.
KEY MILESTONES
1) Poverty Reduction through Empowerment
Key achievements include:
• WST 1 million per district under DDP
• 20% (over USD 3 million) reserved for Gender Equality & Social Inclusion (GEDSI), endorsed in 2024
• National Social Protection Policy ensuring equitable access
• Women holding over 50% of senior leadership roles in the public service
He reaffirmed that poverty is multidimensional — rooted not only in finances but in dignity, agency, and opportunity.
Three community-level levers strengthen this approach:
• Pola Puipui — 10-year violence-prevention roadmap
• National Social Protection Policy
• DDP 20% GEDSI allocation
2) Youth — Employment & Leadership
Youth unemployment has fallen significantly — from nearly 50% to 11.9%, with national unemployment below 5%.
Under the DDP and entrepreneurship initiatives, young people are driving innovation and strengthening community-based enterprises.
With 67% of Samoa’s population under 35, youth are shaping development today — not only in the future.
3) Health, Education & Early Childhood Development
• Life expectancy has risen to 76 years
• ECD provides wrap-around support for health, nutrition, early learning, and disability inclusion
From July 2026, Samoa will implement:
• Free education from ECE to tertiary
• Free healthy school lunches
Aligned with this, Pola Puipui strengthens families, churches, and villages to end violence and build safe homes for children.
VALUES & EMERGING CHALLENGES
Moefaauouo affirmed that the aiga (family) — guided by our faith and fa‘a Samoa — remains the first line of care for children, elders, and persons with disabilities.
Key challenges persist:
• Climate change threatening lives, livelihoods, and sovereignty
• Youth disengagement requiring expanded skills and innovation
• Economic growth that must remain aligned with ocean and ecosystem protection
Looking to COP30, the Minister called for bold ambition and urgent climate action.
“Promises without action will not save our islands.”
FINANCING JUSTICE & TECHNOLOGY
The Minister highlighted the need to reform global financing systems, noting:
• A USD 4 trillion development financing gap
• The need for debt relief that strengthens, not weakens, sustainable development
He reaffirmed Samoa’s commitment to:
• Climate-aligned health systems
• Climate-resilient agriculture
• Responsible digital transformation
“Technology must serve people — not replace them.”
SAMOA DELEGATION
Samoa’s delegation to the Summit was led by the Honourable Moefa’auouo and included:
• H.E. Dr. Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Pa’olelei Luteru – Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Samoa to the United Nations in New York
• H.E. Ms. Toleafoa Nella Pepe Levy – Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Samoa to the United Nations in Geneva
• Loau Donina Tili Vaa – Chief Executive Officer, MWCSD
The delegation participated in high-level dialogues, technical roundtables, and partnership exchanges focused on inclusive social development and community-centred leadership.
Guided by our faith, fa‘a Samoa and the spirit of alofa, Samoa reaffirmed its commitment to equality, social justice, dignity, and human rights — ensuring that every child, woman, man, and village can thrive.
“We are not yet fully on track — but we know the path, and we walk it with determination.”
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