Remarks by UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Aliona Niculita
April 08, 2025 / 3pm, Don Bosco Technical Centre, Alafua
Lau Susuga i le Ta’ita’i o le Sauniga, Father Bernie Graham
Lau Afioga i le Palemia o le Mālō o Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa
Lau Afioga i le Minisita o le Matagaluega o Galuega Tetele a le Mālō, Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai
Your Excellency, Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, Ryotaro Suzuki
Lau Afioga i le Fofoga o le Aso ma le Ofisa Sili o le Matagaluega o Galuega Tetele a le Mālō, Fui Tupa’i Mau Simanu
Le mamalu o le au vala’aulia – Distinguished guests, Don Bosco principal, teachers and students, boys and girls.
Talofa lava, mālō le soifua manuia.
Fa’afetai mo le auai mai mo le fa’amanatuina o lenei matati’a taua.
It’s a great joy for me to be here to celebrate this milestone – an important moment in Samoa’s journey towards a sustainable future.
I am honoured to represent the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as we celebrate the launch of the Transport Sector Decarbonization Strategy and Sustainable Land Use and Mobility Plan under the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport or CAP-IT project, funded by the Government of Japan.
These plans are roadmaps, guiding Samoa’s transition from fossil fuel dependency to a decarbonized transport sector. This shift will not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve transport services, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable Samoa.
Moreover, we are inaugurating a significant educational milestone today — the introduction of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Mechanics Curricula as a Professional Continuing Training or PCT programme at three esteemed institutions: here at Don Bosco Technical Centre, the National University of Samoa, and Laumua o Puna’oa School.
This curriculum will equip students with essential skills in EV automotive and electrical fields, preparing them to become certified EV mechanics. The signing of the MoU in the near future underscores our commitment to sustaining EV training in Samoa for generations to come.
In addition, thanks to the generous support from the Government of Japan, the establishment of EV Automotive Workshops in these schools, ensures that our students receive hands-on training in EV technology. These workshops are not just laboratories; they are incubators for innovation and excellence, where theoretical knowledge meets practical application.
The long-term benefits of these initiatives extend far beyond environmental stewardship. They create jobs, empower our youth, and open new economic opportunities in the growing field of sustainable transport. UNDP remains devoted in supporting Samoa’s capacity-building efforts, fostering innovation, and implementing policies that drive systemic change in our transport sector.
Today, we celebrate the partnership between UNDP, the Government of Samoa, and the Government of Japan.
Ia tatou manatua – E le tu fa’amauga se tagata. Nobody stands alone like an island; it is important that we work together as a team.
It is through collaboration that we can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and leave a legacy of progress for future generations.
In conclusion, I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making today possible – the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, our private sector partners and CSOs. Let us continue working together towards a cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport system for Samoa.
Fa’afetai tele lava ma ia manuia.
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