YouSaid · the spoken record

Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa

lines on the record: 37
first: 2021-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I wish everyone a successful seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly, and I am grateful for this opportunity to address the Assembly.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Samoa is confident that despite all the challenges — and even existential threats, for some of us — there is still hope if there is unity among our United Nations family. We have a moral obligation to change our world for the better and leave hope for our future generations. In conclusion, let me reaffirm Samoa’s commitment to the United Nations and our conviction that it remains the foremost forum to address all issues that transcend national boundaries. We reiterate our call to the United Nations, through its multiplicity of agencies, to better understand our unique cultures, respect our diversity and embrace our differences in order to help build the future we want through mutual and sustainable partnerships.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“An expanded definition of security for the region reflects our desire to nuance our priorities and the demand for climate-resilient and environmentally-conscious infrastructure, rather than simply viewing issues through the lens of strategic competition. That is how we can ensure living in peace. As a small nation with no military force, we continue to highlight the importance of multilateral platforms and the United Nations in conflict resolution and governance. We believe in the rule of law. and we hope that respect for that principle guides us through the types of conflicts we see today. International cooperation is needed now. more than ever. Building resilience at the national level can take us only so far.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We remain concerned that the war in Ukraine is still ongoing, with no resolution in sight. We hope for a future of world peace, free from conflict, high-tech cybercrimes and electronic crimes, social media abuse and online child sexual exploitation and threats of terrorism, in any form. In a small island developing nation like Samoa, we rely on the collective responsibility of the global community to achieve that through international cooperation, compliance with international law and diplomacy, with the Charter of the United Nations as our guide. We live in a highly contested region that is attracting intensified geostrategic interest. For small island countries in the Pacific, like Samoa, security is more than geostrategic power.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We appreciate that the MVI is a tool that aims to create a richer lens on vulnerability, and as SIDS, we look forward to early endorsement and implementation of the MVI. We believe that there are a great many opportunities that arise from an increasingly digitized world, especially when it comes connecting our people in remote areas. We need to take better care of our citizens from the very real threats — cyber fraud and cyberattacks. We need assistance in ensuring that our infrastructure and financial institutions are safeguarded against cyberthreats and that we can build our capacity to address and combat those threats. In that regard, we are mindful of the ongoing work of the Open-ended Working Group on Security of and in the use of Information and Communications Technologies 2021-2025. which will report to the Assembly in 2025.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“In that area, we relied on support from our partner agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, particularly in the promotion of transformative food systems. Small island developing States face a unique set of vulnerabilities that impede their ability to achieve sustainable development. Most SIDS, including Samoa, face high-indebtedness, which is compounded every time there is rebuilding after a natural disaster. We know that natural disasters will increase in frequency and severity for as long as climate change remains unaddressed. A multidimensional vulnerability index (MVI). therefore, will allow for the inclusion of more than just income-based criteria to assess eligibility for concessional finance.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“To help address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, we believe that access to a balanced and nutritional diet is a national priority. It is important to return to locally produced quality fresh foods with less reliance on processed imported foods. Nutrition and exercise in combination with other lifestyle changes will do more to curb NCDs but those efforts must be enhanced by financial support for advocacy and capacity-building of our health and education professionals. We learned from the coronavirus disease pandemic experience that, in the event of a global crisis, supply chain issues will disproportionately affect small island States in favour of larger markets. We targeted measures to enable self-reliance, in terms of food production and responsible consumption and the promotion of local food systems.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“The Government of Samoa has made people-centred health services and NCD control a priority in its Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2019-2025 and has also issued the National NCD Policy 2019-2023. With support from its development partners, the Samoa Government launched a comprehensive programme in May 2020 aimed at building people-centred and systematic NCD service provision to strengthen primary health care, empower communities, promote early detection and effective referral of NCDs. and increase population awareness of NCD risk factors. Samoa remains committed to the global fight against NCDs through scaled-up capacity-building of all stakeholders, quality-assured data collection and statistics for informed and forward-looking policy decisions, as well as strategic partnerships to mobilize resources and support.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a priority area for Samoa and our blue Pacific continent. Currently, chronic NCDs are overtaking communicable diseases as the dominant health problem and are the leading causes of mortality, morbidity and disability. At the national level. NCDs account for almost half of the deaths — premature deaths in fact — in Samoa. We have one of the highest obesity rates, in particular among children. Current data, however, shows some positive trends in the falling prevalence rates of alcohol drinkers and an increase in the prevalence of people who are physically active. Those statistics are a catalyst for programmes to promote healthier lifestyles.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We believe in the interconnectedness of our responsibilities to our people and planet as reflected in the collective stewardship of our ocean and the goodwill that resulted in the adoption of the new Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction. That is an important milestone on the path to sustainably managing the high seas and our oceans resources. Therefore, let us all sign the treaty for a timely ratification. Similarly, we are engaged in the ongoing negotiations on a treaty to end plastic pollution. The need to address the global plastic pollution problem, especially in the marine environment, is a priority as that is a threat to our ecosystems and health.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Samoa, as a core member of the small island developing State Coalition for Nature. joins the crescendo of voices for the better protection of our biodiversity. The ocean is a vital resource for food and livelihoods and hence requires responsible stewardship that is integral in maintaining our Pacific identity, as the ocean is in us. and we are the ocean. A healthy ocean will help in our fight against climate change. As the Blue Pacific continent, we must ensure that our oceans can still provide for us as we sustainably manage our marine resources, ecosystems and biodiversity. We urge our Member States to assist in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in our region which deprives our small island developing States of much-needed revenue in a time of increased fiscal stress.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“In particular, we wish to highlight the importance of operationalizing the loss and damage fund as quickly as possible. For all members of the Alliance of Small Island States, maintaining global temperatures below 1.5°C is a point of no return. Crossing that threshold spells the end of many of our island societies. We view the climate crisis as an intersecting one. causing damage to the wider environment, such as the biodiversity that forms the web of life we depend on for our livelihoods and economic growth. More than 1 billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods, and land and the ocean absorb more than half of all carbon emissions. The climate problem is worsening as the world’s natural carbon sinks, such as our oceans and rainforests, cease to spawn life.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“June of 2023 is remembered for the warmest ever recorded global average temperatures, up by more than 1.2°C compared to pre-industrial levels. Efforts to reduce global emissions such as investing in clean and affordable energy, moving towards green resilient economies, tackling deforestation, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and protecting nature must be everyone’s priority for the sake of humankind. Targeted solutions must be complemented by ensuring climate finance for front-line countries and utilizing the best available science and technology. Our expectations for the upcoming twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in the United Arab Emirates include crystallized commitments to bring about our envisioned reality.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Europe and Asia; and severe flooding, as well as cyclones and devastating wildfires, in Greece. north-eastern Canada and Hawaii, decimating lives and livelihoods to ash and barren landscapes. I extend Samoa’s deep condolences to the people of Lahaina. Maui, in the United States, and the families and friends of those who have been lost in one of the worst wildfires to have ever affected a Pacific Island community. Indeed, our sympathies go out to all those affected by those devastating disasters. But our sympathies will only take us so far. and we will continually face these ever-worsening disasters if we continue to refuse to address their root causes. Scientists have warned of imminent, more frequent and many more extreme weather events, resulting in more lives lost and costlier, less resilient infrastructure.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“While many global challenges remain, it is our hope that in a spirit of global solidarity and unity we can address with urgency the threats of the climate crisis, the accelerated loss of biodiversity, the erosion of human rights and human health, worsening conflicts, the abuse of information and new technologies and the task of finding the political will to strengthen our collective effort to achieve sustainable development. The theme for this year’s General Assembly speaks to our priorities and helps frame our continued engagement with our United Nations family. The effects of climate change are etching a deepening and more devastating impact on our lives. The first half of 2023 was characterized by record temperatures in many regions of the world: intense water temperatures in various ocean basins; droughts in parts of Africa.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Samoa extends its congratulations and best wishes to you. Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventy-eighth session. We are delighted to see Trinidad and Tobago, a sister small island developing State (SIDS), at the helm of our organization for the next 12 months, and you will have Samoa’s full support in the successful execution of your mandate. It is an honour to address the Assembly on behalf of the Government and the people of Samoa. We remain steadfast in our support of this multilateral institution and recognize that international cooperation is essential in the fight for a just, more sustainable and peaceful future for our people and planet.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“The United Nations must understand our unique cultures, respect our diversity and embrace our differences to help build the future we want through partnerships Multilateralism and united international cooperation is our best response to the many threats we face. Building resilience at the national level can only take us so far. Samoa is confident that despite all the challenges, even existential threats for some of us; there is still hope if there is Unity amongst our UN family. This can change our world for the better, and leave hope for our future generations. Soifua”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We express our deep appreciation to the COVAX Facility, the UN family, regional organizations and our development partners especially Australia Japan and New Zealand, who were instrumental in Samoa accessing sufficient vaccines to cover the eligible population. Discussions continue with New Zealand to secure relevant vaccines for our population under 17 years. Our vaccination roll out continues. To ensure full population coverage and achieve herd immunity, Government introduced a whole of country lockdown this week, for two days, to carry out mass vaccination. Excellencies, Let me end, by reaffirming Samoa’s commitment to the United Nations and our conviction that it remains the foremost forum to address all issues that transcend national boundaries.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We continue to call for starting text based negotiations for the reform of the Security Council. Excellencies, The fact that we continue to meet virtually is testament to the many challenges COVID-19 has placed on us. The pandemic has also directed our attention to the many “code red” alarms for humanity. Business as usual is not an option. We must take this opportunity for breakthrough as the UN Secretary-General puts it. For Samoa, our borders with the outside world have been closed since the advent of the COVID pandemic in early 2020. We have prioritized the safety and health of our people over economic considerations. Like other countries, it was not an easy decision to take, considering the imminent economic challenges that will follow. Key to our response to COVID-19 is the full vaccination of our population.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Samoa unreservedly believes that the UN is uniquely suited to coordinate and advance the cause of our global initiatives. With the structural aspects of the reforms now well consolidated, we should build on the momentum to continue effective implementation. Samoa looks forward to continuing an active role in the reform process to ensure that we have a UN that is fit for purpose, and highly tuned to meet the challenges of the future. The continued strengthening of the Resident Coordinator system must include ending the fragmented approach at national level. We caution against a heavy regional approach that does not respond to national needs and priorities. We also further call for more clarity around the definition of roles against the inevitable constraints imposed by post-COVID-19, on resource availability in the immediate future.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Consequently, the call for and endorsement of a multidimensional vulnerability index will allow for the inclusion of more than just income-based criteria to assess eligibility for concessional finance. Samoa thanks the Resident Coordinators in the SIDS that worked diligently towards the development of the MVI under the joint leadership of the UN and the Government of Samoa, and in partnership with Professor Jeffrey Sachs and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network. We are appreciative of the fact that the MVI is a tool that provides for a richer lens on vulnerability. We look forward to the joint review of the report of the Secretary-General on the way forward of the MVI and its use. Excellencies, Allow me to touch briefly on the system reform of our organization.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We urge that outstanding issues relating to the framework be concluded with urgency considering the fast approaching timeline set out in the Secretary-General’s report on this matter. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face a unique set of vulnerabilities which impede their ability to achieve sustainable development. Structural factors, including their size, remoteness, and exposure to climate risks and natural disasters impact socioeconomic outcomes and their ability to achieve the SDGs. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated those vulnerabilities with many SIDS countries being particularly affected by the drop in international tourism and remittances.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Excellencies, Accelerated action to meet the promise of the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs is an imperative. COVID19 and climate change have reversed hard fought development gains. However, we must persist in our efforts to meet the SDGs as they provide the best hope in our fight against the pandemic and the threat of the climate crisis. We need to remind ourselves of the commitments and undertakings we made towards the full implementation of the SAMOA Pathway. I thank all SIDS partners, the Secretary-General and Secretariat for their continuous support and commitment to this task. The proposed monitoring framework for the SAMOA pathway is a necessary tool for follow-up action and review. It will allow domestic and international resources to be better targeted towards greater accountability and transparency.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Incidents of hacking, virus attacks, access and dissemination and misuse of information and network security can no longer be ignored. We look forward to actively engaging in discussions of the Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes. For a small developing island nation like Samoa, we rely on the collective responsibility as a global community to prevent and combat high-tech cyber and electronic crimes, including social media abuse and online child sexual exploitation. The reality for us is that the criminals are more advanced than our nations in these technologies. Thus we need to work together to combat and eliminate these destabilizing activities.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The recent events in Afghanistan highlight the plight of thousands of people fleeing their homes in search of refuge and safety. We urge the global community to lend all possible humanitarian assistance to those in desperate need. Samoa continues to contribute to the peace and security agenda through its police peacekeepers. We are embracing the many advantages cyberspace offers, and our economy and quality of life are the better for it. However, we also recognize that they also pose as threats in some ways. The increasing use of Information Communications Technology (ICT) has raised issues of security and privacy. The exploitation of computers and telecommunications technology for criminal activities has increased.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The new government will continue to ensure safeguarding the rule of law and upholding of the human rights of its people. Special attention to vulnerable groups and strengthened social protection measures remain a priority. Samoa will be presenting its third Universal Periodic Review in November 2021. We maintain that our Christian values, unique culture and traditions complement the human rights and fundamental freedoms we commit to promote, respect, protect and fulfil. Excellencies, We want a future of peaceful societies, free from conflict, and the threat of terrorism. We condemn all acts of international terrorism and violent extremism which must be dealt with through international cooperation and in accordance with the UN Charter. The elimination of all forms of weapons is a step closer to a world of peace.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Unhealthy diets, tobacco and alcohol use, and lack of physical exercise are the main risk factors. Excellencies, Samoa has for decades championed the importance of the rule of law and protection of the rights of its peoples. Many labelled the events that unfolded following our 2021 elections a constitutional crisis. While these were difficult times for Samoa, it was also a key part of our journey moving forward as a mature democracy. It divided our country and tested all key pillars of our society — our faith, our culture and the rule of law. However, my delivering this statement as the first female Prime Minister of Samoa and bringing about a change in government after decades, are testament to the fact that the rule of law has prevailed. Samoa today still remains peaceful and COVID free, despite all the challenges we face.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The Food Systems Summit held this week was instrumental in mobilizing global citizens to find transformative solutions. Samoa was pleased to be part of this important event which encouraged shared exploration of potential for collective action. Through organized dialogues, Samoa benefited from a comprehensive assessment of the issues involved in building the sustainability of our food systems. Extreme hunger is not a concern in Samoa as food availability is not the issue. Access to a balanced and nutritional diet is the main concern and this requires a return to locally produced quality fresh foods and less of processed imported foods. This will be key to addressing the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases which represent the single largest cause of premature mortality in the Pacific.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“If this trend continues, by 2050 our ocean will have more plastics than fish. Pacific SIDS contribute less than 1.3 per cent of the mismanaged plastics in the world’s oceans, yet are one of the main recipients of plastics pollution and its impacts. Samoa fully supports the Ministerial Conference on Marine and Plastic Pollution aimed at agreeing on a common global approach to confront the scourge of marine plastic. Samoa fully supports finalizing the work on the legally binding Instrument on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ instrument) in a timely, robust and effective manner. Excellencies, The Global food system is at a critical stage made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and onslaught of climate change.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Together with the UNFCCC COP26, 2021 is a critical year for aligning action to tackle the climate emergency, and addressing the threat posed by biodiversity loss. Securing our maritime zones against the threat of climate change-related sea-level rise, and preserving our existing rights and entitlements stemming from maritime zones, is of fundamental importance to our Pacific region. Therefore, the Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum at their 51st meeting this year, endorsed the Declaration on Preserving Maritime Zones in the face of Climate-Change Related Sea-Level Rise. All countries must unite to prevent and reduce marine pollution including plastics, oil spills, waste discharge and nuclear contaminants. UN reports claim that every year more than 8 million tonnes of plastics end up in the ocean.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“A new 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific continent will reinforce the prioritization of ocean and climate change considerations in all policies and plans. A shared ocean, means shared responsibility and benefits, for our environment, economies and communities. Our marine protection goals in our first Ocean Strategy, are aligned to the Blue Leaders 30 x 30-campaign calling for protecting 30 per cent of our global oceans by 2030. We welcome the complementarity of such initiatives. The Pacific Ocean hosts a remarkable array of biodiversity. With our Blue Pacific family, Samoa continues to prioritize both marine and terrestrial ecosystems’ restoration. Despite the challenges, we remain engaged in the Convention on the Biological Diversity COP15 process.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We reiterate the call on all parties to commit to updated and more ambitious NDCs in order to meet the Paris Agreement promise. The upcoming COP in Glasgow is our point of no return. Our commitments from there onwards, will determine the future trajectory for our planet. Can we avoid a climate catastrophe in our children’s lifetime? Excellencies, The ocean surrounds, protects and provides for us ocean states’. It is core to our Pacific way of life. Tied explicitly to our need for climate action is our custodianship of the world’s oceans. As the Blue Pacific continent, our collective priority is to maintain the health of the ocean as well as the sustainable management of our vast and biodiverse ocean.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The latest report on climate change from the IPCC shows that global greenhouse gas emissions must be halved in the next decade, and reach net zero emissions by mid-century, if the promise of 1.5°C is to remain within reach. Efforts to drive down global emissions such as investing in clean and affordable energy; moving towards green resilient economies; tackling deforestation; ending coal power and focusing all efforts to protect nature must take precedence. Such solutions must be complemented by ensuring climate finance for frontline countries, and utilizing the advance scientific knowledge and superior technology available. Samoa has submitted its Second Nationally Determined Contribution with increased ambition nuanced in specific emissions reduction targets.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Excellencies, There is no greater challenge confronting the global community now than that of climate change. For Pacific communities, the real challenge is not about securing more scientific evidence, setting new global targets, and more talk shops. It is about action for survival and we all need to shoulder our responsibilities and play our part. The big polluters and emitters need to demonstrate more commitment and leadership. The increase and frequency of natural disasters continue to devastate countless lives. I extend Samoa’s deep condolences to a sister SIDS, Haiti, for the lives lost and the immeasurable devastation wrought by the Earthquake. We fully support the Resolution on assistance to Haiti in the aftermath of the recent disasters. These environmental threats can only worsen.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“As the UN Secretary-General highlighted in his “Our Common Agenda” report, we are at an inflection point in history. We either breakdown or breakthrough. I believe, we should not surrender to a future of perpetual crises but choose hope through urgent, decisive and united action. The theme for this year’s UNGA captures the essence of Samoa’s immediate priorities in alignment with our United Nations family. We need to rebuild sustainably for recovery from the pandemic, and to enhance resilience. We must revitalize the United Nations. The experience of the last 18 months has clearly demonstrated that now, more than ever, we need an effective United Nations to mobilize our collective efforts, to propel urgent actions, in order to effectively address these problems.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“It is an honour to address this Assembly for the first time as Samoa’s Prime Minister, although it is regrettable that this must take place virtually, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In these times of uncertainty, the leaders of the world must remain connected in our fight for a just, more sustainable and peaceful future for our people and planet There have been many challenges over the recent past, and we need to take urgent action now on a host of them. COVID-19 and its constant mutations threatening lives; the looming existential threat from the climate crisis; the accelerated loss of biodiversity; the erosion of human rights; worsening conflicts; rising discrimination and hatred; the abuse of information and new technologies are but a few of the mammoth tasks that lie ahead of us.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Mr. President, Distinguished delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen. Samoa extends its congratulations and best wishes to His Excellency Abdulla Shahid on your assumption of the Presidency of the 76th Session of the General Assembly. We are indeed delighted to see Maldives, a sister small island developing state, taking the reins of our organization at this critical and pivotal moment in our history. Please be assured of Samoa’s full support in the successful execution of your mandate over the next 12 months. We also welcome the reappointment of Secretary- General Antonio Guterres for a second term and have confidence in his continued leadership at this critical time for the United Nations.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)