UN Food Systems Summit in Rome, 24 - 26 July 2023

The Honurable Prime Minister of Samoa, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, in her capacity as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, told the Summit "I bring a message of trepidation on behalf of 65 million people in SIDS" but also "a missive of hope."

On the nexus between food security and climate change, Honourable Fiame highlighted that "more intensive disasters, land degragation and exploition of ocean resources has resulted in a crisis of limitless proportion for SIDS. Our land is either too wet or too dry, both unsuitable for agriculture." Meanwhile, she continued, "our waters are being exploited unsustainably while rising temperatures are killing existing marine life."

According to Fiame, It is not too late to protect what we have - but it requires both determination and tenacity.

The Prime Minister also noted the impact of processed and ultra-processed food on the NCDs pandemic in SIDS.

In concluding her open remarks, Fiame noted, "it takes ands overarching methodology  that links sufficiency, fairness and sustainability with our people and planet at the center. If we are to effectively address the current food crisis, it is the Northe Star of the United Nations and humanity in a calamitous world.

The Prime Minister's delegation included Peseta Noumea Simi (Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade), Fatumanava Paolelei Luteru (Ambassador to the UN), Toleafoa Nella Levy (Ambassador, Geneva) and Seusue J Tauati (Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries)