Mrs. Miriama Betham – Malielegaoi, Chargé d’ affaires of the Permanent Mission of Samoa delivered the national statement during the 36^th plenary meeting of the General Assembly whereby the report of the International Criminal Court (ICC) was presented by the President of the ICC, Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi.

Mr. Dominic Sofe, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Samoa to the United Nations delivered Samoa’s statement during the thematic discussion on Nuclear Weapons in the UN Disarmament and International Security Committee (First Committee).

On the 20th September 2017, the Treaty to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons was opened for signature. Samoa was one of the 50 States that signed the Treaty including three states that deposited their instruments of ratification.  Almost a week later, on the 26th September 2017, the United Nations held a High-Level Meeting to commemorate and promote the international day for the total elimination of nuclear weapons. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was present and emphasized on the cooperation of member states to rid the world of nuclear weapons.

An early start at the United Nations Headquarters today saw leaders from around the world gather in the Trusteeship Council Chambers to witness and take part in the historical event of signing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The road to this day has not been easy and it was certainly not straight.