A delegation from the Pacific Islands Forum arrived yesterday to conduct the next phase of American Samoa’s pending application for associate membership in PIF: the in-country visit.
The delegation includes Ratu William Toganivalu, Fiji’s Roving Ambassador to Pacific Island Countries and Territories and Agencies of the Council of Regional Organizations of the Pacific, and Teanuanua Nicole, Governance Officer from the PIF Secretariat.
The purpose of their visit is for the Forum to perform an internal assessment of how American Samoa’s governance institutions, programs, and services align with the Pacific Islands Forum vision and mission, particularly the thematic areas of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. These areas include: Political Leadership and Regionalism, People-Centered Development, Peace and Security, Resources and Economic Development, Climate Change and Disasters, Ocean and Environment, and Technology and Connectivity.
This morning the PIF officials attended the daily devotional prayer service at the Governor’s Office and were the guests of honor at an ava ceremony at the Suigaulaoleatuvasa in Utulei, organized by the Office of Samoan Affairs.
The officials are here till Wednesday and have a full schedule of meetings and site visits.
