The “Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS)” for the period FY2021/22 to FY2025/26 was officially launched on Friday 25th February 2022 at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi (TATTE) Convention Centre by the honourable Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataafa.
The occasion marked a significant milestone for the Government and all of its partners, as this national plan provides the direction for Samoa’s development over the next five years.
In her keynote address, the honourable Prime Minister spoke of the importance of empowering our communities and promoting nation-wide collaboration to achieve the outcomes of the PDS. These outcomes revolve around the theme of “Empowering communities, building resilience, and inspiring growth”, with the intention to lead to the realization of the long term vision of “Fostering social harmony, safety, and freedom for all.”
The Prime Minister reiterated Government’s commitment to enabling the people of Samoa to cope with the challenges and uncertainties of today’s world. This is evident in the PDS placing great emphasis on initiatives that promote social harmony and shared prosperity; relying heavily on strong partnerships and community engagement to drive the nation towards sustainable growth and resilience.
The Key Strategic Outcomes pursued in this national plan aim at ensuring improved social, economic, governance, environmental, and infrastructural development. Social development sits at the forefront of Government’s efforts to build capacities, minimize vulnerabilities, and provide equal access to opportunities for all who live in Samoa. This will be founded on sustainable and diversified economic development. The protection of people’s rights and integrity of governance systems will be prioritised, as will securing partnerships that can benefit Samoa. Environmental conservation and sustainability remain crucial in building resilience, as well as strengthening measures towards climate change mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk management. The Government will also invest in affordable, resilient, and well-maintained infrastructure, so to provide the platform upon which overall sustainable development can be pursued.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the contribution and support of all those involved in the development of the PDS including the village communities, the private sector, civil society, NGOs, development partners, and Government institutions. She also encouraged the continued collaboration of all stakeholders and reminded everyone of their shared responsibility for development towards a greater future for the people of Samoa.
The Pathway for the Development of Samoa FY2021/22 – 2025/26 will also be launched in Savai’i on Friday 4th March 2022 at 10:00am at the Apita o Pisaga Hall in Salelologa.