Excellencies,
I extend my congratulations to His Excellency, Mr. Philemon Yang of Cameroon on the assumption of the Presidency of the 79th Session of the General Assembly. The theme of your Presidency “Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone everywhere” is one which resonates with us particularly as we strive to navigate a path towards a more peaceful, more sustainable and more resilient future for our peoples and planet.   Please be assured of Samoa’s support in the successful execution of your mandate.

Excellencies,
The effects of climate change are being lived in real time. We’re not even at the end of 2024, yet we’ve already witnessed countries in all corners of the globe endure extreme weather events. From ferocious wildfires to devastating floods and scorching heatwaves, the toll of climate change is all around us.  In July this year we saw the earliest Category 5 Hurricane Beryl hit the Caribbean with such ferocity causing devastation to many small islands states and even parts of Mexico, Venezuela and the US.

Our collective efforts must not end at national borders – we must go beyond especially for those in the frontline facing the brunt of this relentless and pervasive global emergency.  In our most difficult times, it is easy to abandon the collective to safeguard the individual.  But history reminds us of the folly of that approach.

Climate change remains one of the gravest concerns for all countries especially small island developing States; its impacts are more extensively felt by SIDS due to our special circumstances and the lack of capacity to respond quickly and effectively.  SIDS rank amongst the world’s most vulnerable countries, highly exposed to external shocks, global warming-induced rising sea levels and other climate change risks. Unless substantial investments are made to mitigate climate change, boost adaptation, and build more resilient economies, we face urgent climate and financial risks.

Furthermore, climate change has significant security implications for our food, water and energy supplies, increased competition over natural resources, loss of livelihoods, climate-related disasters, and potentially forced migration and displacement of people.  

We must do more to turn the tide, to honour our commitments and obligations, and to take urgent and ambitious climate action now.
Our expectations for the upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan, include securing an agreement on a new collective quantified goal for climate finance that is truly fit for purpose. It is time to review the outcomes of the first global stocktake agreed in Dubai to ensure that new NDCs due in 2025 are as ambitious as possible; including reaching 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Excellencies,

We must keep global temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius.  This is a red line for many SIDS like Samoa that we cannot cross.
In this era of unprecedented and relentless sea level rise international law must evolve to meet the climate crisis and the disproportionate effect that it has on SIDs. Earlier this week the Heads of State and Government of the Alliance of Small Islands states adopted a Declaration of sea level Rise and statehood. The declaration provides affirmation that international law is based on the fundamental principle of the continuity of states. Our statehood and sovereignty cannot be challenged. No matter the physical changes wrought by the climate crisis, we will remain sovereign states unless we choose otherwise.

As part of the Blue Pacific continent, Samoa is committed to ensuring that our ocean spaces, resources and ecosystems remain healthy for current and future generations.  We have witnessed many demands on our marine resources from a variety of sectors.  Cognizant of the threats that such demands and pressures place on these critical resources, we launched the Samoa Ocean Strategy (SOS) in 2020, our national policy framework that seeks to sustainably manage Samoa’s vast ocean and marine resources.  The Strategy provides bold and comprehensive integrated ocean management solutions to advance ocean stewardship and ensure that cultural and economic values that Samoans derive from the ocean continue to be available to all generations.
Stewardship of the ocean extends beyond our national boundaries.   In this regard, Samoa is working towards ratification of the BBNJ Agreement while continuing to engage regionally and internationally on advocacy of ocean health and sustainability of our marine ecosystems, including fisheries resources.  We call on our partners to continue working with us to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing which deprives us of resource benefits and undermines our management efforts.
We continue to engage in the work of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.  For Samoa, the need to address the global plastic pollution problem, especially in the marine environment, is a priority we must focus on to maintain the health of our oceans.   

Excellencies,

To combat the climate crisis, we need to protect our biodiversity both terrestrial and marine. Healthy biological diversity in our ecosystems maintains the web of life that we rely on, such as food, water, medicine, economic growth, and sustainable livelihoods.
The protection of our mangroves and reef systems increases the resilience to climate change-driven erosion and flooding, supporting healthy ecosystems and the sustainable well-being of coastal communities.

Our experience with the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us to be better prepared for global pandemics.
Non-communicable diseases are a priority concern and accounts for much of the burden of diseases in Samoa. 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 and premature deaths at that in Samoa.  We continue to persist in our advocacy for our people to become more physically active and promote healthier lifestyles and diet.

Healthy diets and lifestyles must be complemented by the accessibility of nutritional and local food sources.  Food security is a priority that requires the transformation of our food system. It is important to return to locally produced quality fresh foods with less reliance on processed imported foods. It is equally important to address the balance of issues of access affordability and convenience against quality and wellbeing. Our ability to grow our own food is impacted by climate change as every extreme weather event such as cyclones or drought will cause catastrophic damage to crops and livestock.  

In May of this year, we met in Antigua and Barbuda for the Fourth SIDS Conference where we adopted the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), a ten-year action plan for our sustainable development. SIDS are in the crossfire of multiple crises: climate change, the economic and social repercussions of COVID-19, which many of us still haven’t fully recovered from.
We face a unique set of vulnerabilities which impede our ability to achieve sustainable development. Most SIDS, like Samoa, also face high indebtedness, that is compounded every time there is a natural disaster as we are unable to rebuild and build back better.  These natural disasters will only increase and intensify as long as climate change remains unaddressed.  The work of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility and the Risk-informed Early Action Partnership in this space is much appreciated and fully supported by SIDS.

Samoa looks forward to the timely and effective implementation of the multi-dimensional vulnerability index by International Financial Institutions and our development partners as a tool to assist SIDS in accessing finance.  I am determined in this call, not only as Prime Minister of my country but as Chair of AOSIS.  The index represents for us, and for other developing countries, the opportunity to re-examine the way decisions on development are taken.

In July this year Samoa presented its 3rd Voluntary National Review report to the High-Level Political Forum. Its focus is on the continued commitment of the Government of Samoa to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at a pace commensurate with our prioritization, resource availability and active engagement of our communities. Samoa continues to place emphasis on achieving the SDGs through a balancing of the strengths of our culture and society, transformative reforms, effective resource mobilisation and the careful management of our   natural environment.

Excellencies

The Global Digital Compact has been a focus of this year’s Summit of the Future aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for the governance of digital technologies and the internet.
We request that support for SIDS include capacity building, technical assistance, and strengthening digital infrastructure through cyber security measures and educational initiatives for public and private enterprises.

The successful implementation of the Digital Compact will require a coordinated and multi-faceted approach, with the assistance of UN entities and development partners in applying the principles to our national context as well as to the regional and global levels.  It is hoped that the Compact will help create a more inclusive, secure, and equitable digital world-

Samoa remains a peaceful country, committed to justice and the protection of human rights. We remain concerned that the wars in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza and surrounding areas are still ongoing with no resolution in sight. The terrible loss of civilian lives, displacement of people as well as the destruction of infrastructure and the environment is something we do not condone.  The continued provision of arms in aid to these conflicts needs to cease.  Arms and weapons only fuel more death and destruction.

The UN can play a greater role in finding a path towards peace and we are committed to the collective responsibility of the global community to achieve this through international cooperation and diplomacy with the UN Charter as our guide.

2025 being the 80th year of the UN anniversary present an opportunity and an appropriate milestone for all of us to seriously consider reforms of the Security Council, We must consider the expansion of both the permanent and non-permanent seats of the Security Council to enhance the representation of the underrepresented and unrepresented regions and thereby recover trust and legitimacy of the Security Council

Excellencies,
The more things change, the more we cannot afford to stay the same.  The tools of a foregone era can no longer ensure our future.  The complexity of the challenges that currently beset us requires a greater understanding of the challenges themselves, as well as those being challenged.

Samoa remains committed to the United Nations and our conviction that it remains the foremost forum to address all international issues.
Faafetai.