United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has officially opened the 3 rd Small Island Developing States conference in Apia last night along with Samoa’s Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
The UN Secretary General said Samoa said Samoa has opened its arms to the world and celebrate the coming together of the international community which enjoy the one hospitality of Samoan community.
“Our shared journey to Samoa has been long, remarkable, and above all inspired… started twenty years ago in the Caribbean island of Barbados.
“At that land mark gathering the international community pledge to support SIDS communities across the world’s oceans in fighting climate change in addressing their vulnerabilities and strengthening their resilience,” Moon said.
The UN Secretary General said Samoa has enthusiastically rose to the challenge.
“This dynamic developing island nation is small in size but big in heart, strength, vision and for the future,” Moon said.
He added that tonight (yesterday) everyone has witnessed and enjoyed the magnificent culture of the pacific and celebrate the achievements of Samoa and SIDS across the beautiful yet pristine planet.
He stressed that despite the challenges SIDS faced, the presence of the world in Apia, Samoa for the SIDS conference has shown the support of them for the sake of their countrymen.
Adding the world’s nations rather big or small are bound to develop, share and fight against climate change and scotch on property.
“Together we can pursue a sustainable future and transform our world,” Moon added.
Samoan PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi the other hand has welcomed all the international delegates to Apia.
The PM said was honoured and humbled to being host to the 3rd SIDS conference which meant a lot to Samoans and the pacific community.
Adding if it is without the support of the pacific community and the UN,it would not have turned this way for Samoa to host such a milestone event for the region especially to put forward SIDS issues for greater action and consideration in the conference which begins today.
The conference is being attended by more than 3000 delegates from all over the world including heads of governments, government representatives, NGOs, donors and many more who will be trying to make their voices heard.
While Pacific SIDS are on the focus to ensure their plight for sustainable development must be heard and achieved from this conference.
BY DANIEL NAMOSUAIA
APIA, SAMOA
