Govt. hands over U.N. family’s new home

By Ilia L Likou 04 November 2017, 12:00AM

The government has officially presented the Hockey Stadium at Tuana’imato to the United Nation’s family.

The hand over was held on Friday evening.

U.N.D.P’s Resident Representative, Lizbeth Cullity thanked the government of Samoa for the gesture.

“On behalf of the United Nations system I would like to thank the Government and people of Samoa for this exceptional gesture of support and commitment to the U.N,” Ms. Cullity said.

“In particular, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Tuilaepa and his Cabinet.” 

She also acknowledged C.E.O’s, Ministry staff, C.S.O’s, Private Sectors and countless individuals who contributed to making the work of the United Nations in Samoa worthy.

 “As many of you have seen during your tour, to date, U.N.D.P. U.N.F.P.A, U.N.I.C.E.F, and U.N. Women have moved in and I.L.O. will join us in the next weeks. F.A.O, U.N. Environment, U.N.E.S.C.O. and W.H.O. will also be setting up offices when renovations are complete in the next 6-9 months.”

The move to the “One U.N. House” is highly strategic and represents a concrete step towards assisting the United Nations fulfill a demand made by the Samoan Government since 2012, and which all S.I.D.S. requested through the Samoa Pathway.

“This demand is for the U.N. and its Member States to Deliver Better Together, the aim is to have more significant and sustainable results through more cost effective and less burdensome bureaucratic processes.” 

“Through the Samoa Pathway, member States agreed to establish more genuine and durable partnerships which innovate the way we work in Small Island settings.”

”I think everyone here knows the important role that the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Noumea Simi, has played in guiding us through this process and that we all recognize we have further to go.”

“Designing this One U.N. House in a way which encourages collaboration between agencies is what this is all about.” 

“Common services, common space-cafeteria, this open gallery, will facilitate knowledge-sharing and rapport-building, while saving costs.”

Ms. Cullity believes that U.N. in Samoa is a strong and capable team.

“And together we are devoted to ensuring respect for human rights, which means inclusive development and to strengthening Samoa’s resilience in the face of climate change.”

“The agencies have grown in our capacity to formulate and implement Joint initiatives.” 

“We have been working together to economically and politically empower women and youth and we will continue to do so with the support of so many of you here tonight (Friday).”

“l am certain that there is more and better to come.”

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi said Samoa would continue to work together with U.N. and its agencies for the betterment and the development of the country.

By Ilia L Likou 04 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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