On 9^th June 2026, Ms. Mataafa Faatino Utumapu of Samoa was successfully elected as a member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The CRPD Committee is made of 18 independent experts that monitor the implementation of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by its States Parties. This achievement marks a historical first in Samoa’s representation on this important UN body.

Ambassador Fatumanava-o-Upolu Luteru, on behalf of the Government and people of the Independent State of Samoa, expressed deepest and heartfelt sympathies and condolences on the passing of His Excellency Brigadier General (RET’D) Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (CF, LVO, OBE, (Mil), KStJ, MSD, GCCT, CSM, jsc, psc), former Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Fiji, on 26 March 2026. 

The Independent State of Samoa and the Republic of Uganda officially established diplomatic relations on 7 March 2025. The official signing ceremony took place at the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations in New York. The documents were signed by H.E. Mr. Adonia Ayebare, Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations, and H.E Mr. Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Dr. Pa’olelei Luteru, Permanent Representative of Samoa to the United Nations. 

The Independent State of Samoa and Belize have formally established diplomatic relations, effective 25 February 2025. The Joint Communiqués were signed at the Permanent Mission of Belize in New York by H.E. Mr. Carlos Fuller, Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations, and H.E Mr. Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Dr. Pa’olelei Luteru, Permanent Representative of Samoa to the United Nations.