Month: December 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE 18 December 2025 Apia, SAMOA] – The latest round of funding from the Small Grants Programme (SGP) – funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – will now benefit 57 communities whose project proposals have been successful.

These new projects will be funded by the Government of Australia through the Samoa CARES programme, which is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), and technical support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF).

A grant award ceremony and inception workshop was held on November 17, 2025 to help build these communities’ capacities in implementing their approved workplans and financial reporting.

One of the successful recipients, the village of Faletagaloa Safune in Savai‘i, welcomed the approval of their project saying it will contribute to environmental sustainability through the use of renewable solar energy. The project will also address critical lighting needs in areas of the village that are not currently connected to the main electricity grid, thereby enhancing community safety and overall wellbeing.

“We extend our profound gratitude to the Government of Australia, GEF, UNDP, and the SGP National Steering Committee for their leadership, commitment, and careful consideration in reviewing and approving our proposal. We look forward to the successful implementation of this project in partnership with all stakeholders,” said Tologataua Sioeli Alofaifo, Faletagaloa village and project representative.

A total of 113 applications were received during the Call for Proposals, reflecting widespread interest once again in the SGP mechanism.

“What has always stood out to the Australian High Commission is the way that the SGP (Small Grants Programme) projects innovatively combine elements of environmental protection with resilience building, economic opportunities, and social inclusion efforts – leading to holistic sustainable development outcomes,” said Claire McGeechan, Deputy High Commissioner,

Australia.

.

The selection of successful projects came after an intensive screening and approval process that was based on the technical assessment and recommendations from the SGP Technical Advisory Group and signed off by the National Steering Committee (NSC).

“I offer my warmest congratulations to the Community-Based Organizations that have been successful with their project proposals. Your success reflects your commitment, leadership, and your strong understanding of the needs of your communities and environment. These projects show that meaningful solutions to climate change and environmental challenges are best led by communities themselves,” said Paolo Dalla Stella, UNDP Officer-In-Charge.

END.

December 18, 2025

Source:

PRESS RELEASE December 17, 2025] – The United States Embassy in Samoa hosted a ceremony today to formally mark the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and the Government of Samoa for the construction of a new Saina-Toamua School. The event was attended by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Daniel J. Tarapacki and Samoa’s Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Aeau Christopher Hazelman, who both delivered remarks highlighting the urgent need for this initiative.

With more than 600 students currently enrolled, Saina-Toamua Primary School faces significant challenges due to deteriorating facilities. Since May 2024, the U.S. Embassy has worked closely with the Ministry of Education and Culture and the school’s leadership to address these concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Through funding provided by the U.S. Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid program, the United States will support the construction of a new school complex featuring 16 classrooms, a library, a computer lab, a science lab, a principal’s office, a staff room, and separate toilet facilities for students and staff. The project also includes the safe demolition of the existing school, ensuring the new facility meets the highest standards and will serve the community for years to come. The total project cost is estimated at approximately 1.9 million USD.

“This investment reflects our shared belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities,” said Chargé d’Affaires Daniel J. Tarapacki. “By working together, the United States and Samoa are demonstrating our mutual commitment to the future of education and to the well-being of the people of Samoa.”

This project stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the United States and Samoa, underscoring the values and strong ties that unite both nations. By supporting the Saina-Toamua community, the two countries are not only building a new school; but also strengthening their partnership for the future.

The United States extends its sincere gratitude to the Government of Samoa, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the school principal, and the entire community for their collaboration and trust. The new Saina-Toamua Primary School is expected to become a place of hope, learning, and opportunity for all.

End Release.

US Embassy Apia, Samoa

December 18, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE] – Samoa has validated its Multi-Hazard Early Warning for All (MHEW4All) Roadmap on Wednesday 11th December, 2025; developed through collaboration among government agencies and partners. The roadmap supports the Early Warning for All (EW4All) special initiative of the UN Secretary General, which aims to spearhead action to ensure every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems by 2027.

The validation process brought together representatives from the government including the Disaster Advisory Committee members, sector ministries and NGOS. The validation ensured that the roadmap reflects national priorities; confirms that it gives Samoa a clear plan to strengthen an early warning system that focuses on protecting people.

The collaboration and verification also reconfirm that the roadmap outlines what actions to take and how to use resources effectively to make the system stronger.

Samoa’s Multi-Hazard Early Warning for All Roadmap (2026–2036) is a plan that guides the country in improving its early warning systems for disasters and emergencies.

It helps the government and communities, from national to village level, know what actions to take and where to invest money so warnings are faster, clearer, and more effective. MHEW4All Roadmap helps Samoa make disaster preparedness an essential part of long-term development.

It means building resilience not just through technology and systems, but in everyday life, so that all people are safer, better protected, and more able to recover when disasters happen.

The Roadmap aligns well with national strategies and global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Samoa’s own Pathway for Development.

ENDS

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa

December 18, 2025

Source:

SPEECH by Hon. Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo Deputy Prime Minister / Minister of Works, Transport & Infrastructure

Lau Susuga Reverend Ieremia Saufo’i,

Hon. Speaker of the House – Lau Afioga Auu’apa’au Mulipola Aloitafua Mulipola,

Your Excellency Mr Ryotaro Suzuki – Ambassador of Japan,

Ms. Aliona Niculita – UNDP Resident Representative in Samoa,

Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all.

It is my great honor to welcome you to this historic occasion – the official launch of five electric boats, or e-alias, under the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) Project.

First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge the Government of Japan for their generous funding and unwavering support for this initiative. Your commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development in Samoa is deeply appreciated.

I also extend special recognition to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has played a pivotal role as the Project Manager in implementing this project. Your leadership and technical expertise have ensured that this project moves from vision to reality.

To the Ministry of Works, Transport & Infrastructure (MWTI), thank you for enforcing safety compliance and conducting rigorous inspections and sea trials to guarantee the safe operation of these vessels.

To the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD), we appreciate your engagement with the five villages of Faleῡ, Apai, Lepuia’i, Salua, and Namu’a in ensuring community ownership and smooth integration of these vessels.

Finally, I greet and thank all village representatives, stakeholders, and partners present today for your collaboration and support.

The CAP-IT Project is a cornerstone of Samoa’s efforts to build climate resilience and sustainable transport systems.

The introduction of electric alias marks a significant step toward:

• Reducing carbon emissions,

• Protecting our marine environment, and

• Promoting clean energy solutions.

This initiative aligns with Samoa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is a clear demonstration of how innovation can drive climate action in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

This achievement reflects the strength of partnerships – between the Samoa Government, development partners, and our communities. It shows that international cooperation can deliver practical solutions for the unique challenges faced by island nations like ours.

These e-alias will:

• Support local livelihoods,

• Improve safe transportation, and

• Enhance resilience in coastal communities.

This initiative serves as a model for future green transport projects in Samoa and across the Pacific region. It strengthens our resolve to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and protect marine ecosystems for generations to come.

In closing, I express my deepest gratitude to all partners and stakeholders for your collaboration and dedication. Let us continue working together to advance sustainable maritime transport and climate adaptation initiatives.

It is now my honor to officially declare the launch of the five electric boats – our e-alias – under the CAP IT Project.

Faafetai tele lava. Soifua ma ia manuia.

TATALAINA O VAA ELETISE E LIMA MO MANONO [12 Tesema 2025]

SAUNOAGA AUTU afioga ia Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo, Sui Palemia ma le Minisita o le Matagaluega o Galeuga, Felauaiga ma Atinae Tetele.

Lau Susuga i le Faafeagaiga Ieremia Saufo’i,

Lau Afioga i le Fofoga Fetalai – Auu’apa’au Mulipola Aloitafua Mulipola,

Lau Afioga i le Ambassador o Iapani – Mr. Ryotaro Suzuki,

Ms. Aliona Niculita – Sui o le UNDP i Samoa,

Sui mamalu o le Vaega o Sui Fa’alemalo,

Mamalu i Malo Faaaloalogia, ma i latou uma o loo auai i lenei aso,

Talofa lava ma faafeiloa’i atu i le agaga fa’aaloalo.

O se fiafiaga sili ia te a’u le fa’afeiloa’i atu i lo outou paia ma le mamalu ua aofia i lenei aso tāua – le faalauiloaina aloa’ia o va’a eletise e lima, poo e-alias, i lalo o le poloketi Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT).

Muamua lava, ou te fia faailoa le agaga faafetai i le Malo o Iapani mo le fesoasoani tau seleni ma le lagolago tumau i lenei poloketi. O lo outou naunau e fesoasoani i le tete’e atu i suiga o le tau ma le atina’e gafataulimaina i Samoa e matuā tāua tele.

Ou te fia faailoa fo’i le faafetai tele i le United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), i la outou pitolaau o le Puleaina o le Poloketi aemaise ole faatinoina o lenei galuega. O la outou ta’ita’iga ma le tomai fa’apitoa ua mautinoa ai le faataunu’uina o lenei va’aiga mamao.

I le Matagaluega o Galuega, Felauaiga & Atina’e Tetele (MWTI), fa’afetai mo le faamautῡina o le tausisia o Tulafono mo le saogalemu o vaa, faapea le faia o su’esu’ega ma faata’ita’iga ile sami ina ia mautinoa le saogalemu o nei va’a eletise.

I le Matagaluega o Tina ma Tamaitai, Atina’e o Nuu ma Afio’aga ma Agafesootai (MWCSD), faafetai i lo outou sao aua le logologopuialii o Afioaga o Faleū, Apai, Lepuia’i, Salua, ma Namu’a – ina ia mautinoa le umia e afioaga taitasi ma le faaogaina lelei o nei aseta.

Ou te faafeiloa’i atu foi male agaga faafetai i Sui o Afioaga uma o Manono ma Namu’a, Pa’aga tau Atina’e, ma i latou uma o loo lagolagoina lenei galuega tāua.

O le Poloketi CAP-IT o se vaega autū i taumafaiga a Samoa e fausia le gafataulimaina ma le malosi e tete’e atu i suiga o le tau i auala o fela’ua’iga.

O le faauluina mai o vaa eletise e faailoa ai se laasaga tāua i le:

• Fa’aitiitia o kasa oona e faaaogaina e vaa,

• Puipuia o le si’osi’omaga o le sami, ma

• Fa’alauiloa le fa’aaogaina o le malosiaga mama.

O lenei poloketi e ogatasi ma sini autu o Sao Fuafuaina a Samoa (NDCs) aemaise o le Sini Tau-atina’e Gafataulimaina (SDGs). O se faamaoniga manino lea o le mafai ona fa’aaogaina ma una’ia taumafaiga e tetee atu i suiga o le tau i Atunu’u Laiti Tau-atia’e (SIDS).

O le ausia o lenei sini taua e fa’aalia ai le malosi o le galulue fa’atasi – i le va o le Malo o Samoa, Pa’aga Tau-atina’e, ma le mamalu lautele o le atunuu. E faaalia ai fo’i le tāua o le galulue fa’ava-o-Malo e fo’ia ai lu’itau e feagai ma atunu’u laiti e pei o Samoa.

O nei va’a eletise o le a:

• Fesoasoani mo auala o fela’ua’iga i afioaga taitasi,

• Fa’aleleia le saogalemu o fela’uaiga, ma

• Fa’amalosia le gafatia ona tetee atu i suiga ole tau

O lenei poloketi, o le a avea foi ma fa’ata’ita’iga mo isi galuega gafataulimaina o fela’uaiga i Samoa ma le Pasefika. E fa’amalosia ai lo tatou naunau e fa’aitiitia le faalagolago i suau’u ma puipuia le si’osi’omaga o le sami mo tupulaga o le lumana’i.

Upu Faaiu – ou te fa’ailoa le agaga fa’afetai i pa’aga uma ma i latou sa galulue ma lagolagosua i lenei galuega tāua. Tau ina ia o tatou fa’aauau pea le galulue fa’atasi e una’ia fela’ua’iga gafataulimaina ma poloketi e tete’e atu i suiga o le tau.

Ua ou fa’ailoa nei le faalauiloaina aloa’ia o va’a eletise e lima – poo tatou e-alias – i lalo o le Poloketi CAP-IT.

Fa’afetai tele lava. Soifua ma ia manuia.

December 18, 2025

Source:

The Ministry of Health wishes to formally respond to the Samoa Observer breaking news article dated Friday, 12 th December 2025, titled “Hospital generators kick in late.”

The article reported that the generator at the National Hospital, Motoʻotua, took almost 30 minutes to activate following a power outage, allegedly affecting patient care and medical services.

The Ministry confirms that this information is incorrect and provides the following verified technical report to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Verified Technical Findings – Power Outage at Motoʻotua (12 December 2025) On Friday, 12 th December 2025, at approximately 6:00pm, the hospital feeder experienced a power outage. Following a full assessment by the Ministry’s Maintenance Division, the findings are as follows:

1. Generator Activation Time

* The Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital generator activated after a 47-second delay, in accordance with the system’s programmed settings.

* This timing aligns with the safety protocols established by the

manufacturer for essential health facilities.

2. Impact of EPC Power Fluctuations

* The EPC power supply was fluctuating significantly at the time of the outage.

* Due to these fluctuations, the generator required additional time to stabilize its voltage output before it could safely supply power to the hospital building.

* This is a built-in protective feature designed to prevent equipment damage, electrical hazards, and potential harm to staff and patients.

3. Load Transfer Safety Design

* The generator is not permitted to transfer load to the hospital while EPC voltage remains unstable.

* The system is designed to wait until all three electrical phases fully disconnect before taking over the building load. This prevents dangerous back-feeding or equipment failure.

4. Manufacturer’s Cool-Down Protocol

* During periods of fluctuation, the generator is required to undergo a cool-down period before shutting down.

* This is part of the standard safety configuration to preserve generator lifespan and ensure operational reliability during subsequent outages.

Assurance to the Public

At no point during the incident were critical patient services left unsupported for an extended period, as suggested in the article. The automated generator system functioned exactly as designed, prioritizing the safety of patients, staff, and hospital infrastructure.

The Ministry encourages media partners to verify information related to essential health services with the Ministry prior to publication to avoid unnecessary public concern.

The Ministry of Health remains committed to maintaining reliable, safe, and resilient health service operations for Samoa.

END.

Ministry of Health Samoa

December 18, 2025

Source:

1. PASSENGER INTERCEPTED AT FALEOLO REGIONAL AIRPORT – Friday 12 December 2025

Ministry of Customs border officers through a targeted operation identified the suspect upon arrival on the last flight from American Samoa on Friday 12 December 2025 and initiated a body search pursuant to the legal provisions under the Customs Act. Police assisted in the search due to suspect’s reluctance to cooperate.

During the search of the suspect, officers discovered a small bag concealed inside the suspect’s underwear, containing five packages, all of which subsequently tested positive for methamphetamine weighing 141grams. The successful interception of the five concealed packages demonstrates the determination of criminals to smuggle illicit drugs into Samoa through any concealment method including hiding it in their private areas.

A 32-year-old male of Vaitele and Nuu has been charged with Possession of Narcotics (Methamphetamine) and Importation of Prohibited Goods. A conviction for possession of Class A narcotics (Methamphetamine) carries a penalty of Life Imprisonment.

2.6 KILOGRAMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE CONCEALED INSIDE A BOX OF CHICKEN – Saturday13 December 2025.

This morning Ministry of Customs and Revenue intercepted and discovered 6.032 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside a box of frozen chicken at the Matautu Wharf. The shipment originated from American Samoa and was targeted for inspection based on intelligence. Officers discovered two vacuum packed packages of methamphetamine concealed inside the frozen box of chicken. The concealment method demonstrates the continued attempts by criminals to smuggle illicit drugs into Samoa through ordinary goods.

A 59-year-old male of To’omatagi has been charged with Possession of Narcotics (Methamphetamine) and Importation of Prohibited Goods. A conviction for possession of Class A narcotics (Methamphetamine) carries a penalty of Life Imprisonment.

These two cases mark the seventh methamphetamine interception at Samoa’s borders this year since the historic 9.4kilograms of meth intercepted in January.

JOINT STATEMENT:

The Chief Executive Officer of Customs and the Commissioner of Police jointly expressed deep concern over the continued attempts to bring methamphetamine into Samoa.

They emphasized the devastating impact of the drug on families, particularly young people, noting that addiction is escalating and can lead to severe harm and even fatalities. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Samoa’s borders and ensuring the safety and well being of our people.

“Customs and Police remain committed in our determination to identify and dismantle drug networks. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure all those responsible face justice and to ensure a safe, secure and prosperous Samoa”.

MCR and MPPCS cautioned individuals involved in these illegal activities to refrain from bringing drugs into Samoa.

Any individual or groups of people who persist, will face severe penalties including lengthy prison terms. These operations reflect the importance of close interagency collaboration in the fight against transnational crime as emphasized in its joint campaign, ‘‘Say NO to Illegal Drugs / Tetee atu i fualaau fa’asaina”.

Both leaders commended the professionalism and vigilance demonstrated by all officers involved, noting that the successful operations reflect the continued effectiveness of joint border security efforts.

The interceptions represent success in the ongoing fight against illicit drugs and highlight the importance of strong interagency cooperation in safeguarding Samoa.

December 18, 2025

Source:

KEYNOTE ADDRESS by Honorable Prime Minister, Acting Minister for MNRE, Honourable Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt

Reverend Denny Epati

Hon. Cabinet Ministers

Members of the Diplomatic Corp.

Excellencies

Distinguished Members of our local Communities, NGOs, Private Sector and Government Agencies

Talofa lava,

We gather today to launch Samoa’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC 3.0 — a manifestation of Samoa’s continued commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement, despite our negligible emissions by global standards.

Climate change for us is a lived reality. And this NDC is a reflection of Samoa’s unwavering commitment to action and leadership.

NDC 3.0 is the result of an extensive national consultation process. It builds on the progress and lessons of our past NDCs — NDC 1.0 in 2015 and NDC 2.0 in 2021 — as well as the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2022–2026 and our National Climate Change Policy 2020–2030.

It sets forth ambitious and measurable commitments: to reduce our national greenhouse gas emissions by one hundred and four point one one gigagrams of carbon dioxide equivalent (104.11 Gg CO₂e) by 2035; to expand our forests and mangroves; to strengthen food security; to address loss and damage; and to integrate gender equality across all sectors. These are not abstract targets. They represent our conviction that climate action and sustainable development are inseparable — that the path to resilience is the path to prosperity for Samoa.

Our adaptation goals are equally ambitious and deeply rooted in our identity as a people connected to both land and ocean. By 2035, Samoa aims to expand its mangrove forests by 5%, increase forest cover and the protection of our rainforests, develop climate-resilient crops, and extend community-based fisheries management to 80 percent of our coastal villages.

These actions are not only about conserving ecosystems — they are about protecting people, livelihoods, and the well-being of future generations.

We also acknowledge that there are losses that cannot be prevented. Samoa’s NDC 3.0 introduces a strengthened focus on loss and damage — improving data collection, building institutional capacity, and developing policies that enable our communities to recover and rebuild from climate impacts.

Our commitment to inclusivity is equally strong. Samoa knows that women, youth, and vulnerable communities are not merely beneficiaries of climate action — they are its drivers. This is fa’a Samoa in practice: shared responsibility, cooperation, and care for one another.

Samoa has done its part and will continue to do more — but our ambition relies on access to international support, climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building.

To our development partners here today, we say: let us turn commitments into action. For small island nations, predictable and sustained climate finance is not merely a development issue — it is a matter of survival.

I extend Samoa’s sincere appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme and the Climate Promise Initiative, the Global Green Growth Institute, and the NDC Partnership for their support in financing the development of our NDC 3.0. I also acknowledge our communities, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and government institutions for your collective efforts in shaping Samoa’s NDC 3.0. Fa’afetai tele lava.

Colleagues, I wish to reiterate that all these plans are naught without the blessing, guidance, and protection of our Lord. Samoa is founded on God, and in God we commit our efforts and plans. In Him we have confidence in our collective strength to lead by example.

I now declare Samoa’s NDC 3.0 officially launched. May God bless Samoa, and may our shared actions light the way toward a sustainable, resilient, and just future for all.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

SAUNIGA ALOAIA O LE TAIALA O LE SAO TUUFAATASIA A SAMOA 3.0 MO LE TUUITIITIA O AAFIAGA MAI SUIGA OLE TAU [11 Tesema 2025]

SAUNOAGA AUTU a le Afioga Palemia, Sui Minisita Matagaluega o Punaoa Faalenatura ma le Siosiomaga Honourable Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt

• Susu lau Susuga ile Taitai ole Sauniga, Rev. Denny Epati, EFKS, Saanapu.

• Afifio Minisita ole Kapeneta ma Minisita Lagolago

• Malo Faaloalogia ma Paaga Faava-o-Malo

• Paaga galulue, sui o nuu ma afioaga, faalapotopotoga tumaoti, pisinisi ma Ofisa ole Malo. Susuga i tofi o nuu faapea sui tamaitai aemaise tupulaga talavou.

• Le mamalu ma le ma’ave eseese ua potopoto mai i lenei afiafi.

Malo le Soifua ma le Lagi e mama! Viia le Atua i lona alofa ma le agalelei ua mafai ona tatou feiloai ma le manuia i lenei afiafi.

E momoli atu le faafetai ile Taitai ole Sauniga, mo le upu faamalosiau, o lea ua tatou faanōnōmanū, sei tō manu mai lagi i le aso ma le faamoemoe. Alofagia e le Alii lau susuga ao feagai ai ma le tau’asuina o le vai ole ola I le nuu oloo aumai ai.

Ae o le auga ma le fa’amoemoe o le asō, ua tatou ofaga potopoto mai, se’i o tatou molimauina se tasi o sao taua a le tatou malo ma le atunuu i le tali atu i suiga o le tau ua iai nei; ua faaulutalaina o le Taiala o Sao Tuufaatasia a Samoa 3.0.

O le sini autu o lenei faamoemoe ina ia mafai ona galulue faatasi atunuu uma o le lalolagi e aofia ai ma atu motu laiti. O Samoa faatasi ma isi atu motu ole Pasefika o loo taulamua i taumafaiga e faaitiitia suiga ma’ale’ale o le tau e pei ona iai le si’isi’i o le sua tai, matagi malolosi, ma le aafiaga o faatoaga I le fesuisuia’i o vaitau o timuga. O nei taumafaiga o loo taulai lea ile faatapula‘aina ile 1.5 tikeri le mafanafana ole lalolagi mo se soifua manuia ma le maloloina o tatou tagata ma le siosiomaga.

O fesuisuiaiga o le tau ua iai nei ua tele tausaga o tatou molimauina. Peitai ane, tatou te le o nofoa’i ai ae ua tatou tapenapena i auala e tali atu ai ma faaitiitia ai aafiaga mai suiga ole tau. O lenei sao tuufaatasia a Samoa 3.0, o se taiala ua tuufaatasia ai polokalame a le atunuu faapea taunuuga e moomia ona ausia mo le isi 5 tausaga o lumanai. O le sao foi lea o Samoa i taumafaiga a atunuu ole lalolagi e tuuitiitia suiga ogaoga ole tau.

Ua iai nei lo tatou fa‘amoemoe ina ia fa‘aitiitia kasa oona e 104.11 kikakalama ile tausaga 2035, fa‘alautele vaomatua ma togatogo, siitia le tulaga ole fofoga taumafa ole atunuu, faalautele puipuiga o vaomatua faasao faapea le uunaia o avanoa tutusa mo itupa o alii ma tamaitai faapea i latou o loo iai manaoga faapitoa.

O loo ave foi le fa‘amamafa ile puipuiga o tagata lautele ma latou aseta e ala ile toe faaleleia o nofoaga ua faaleagaina poo le siitia foi i nofoaga saogalemu (Loss and Damage) ona o tulaga maaleale ole tau ua le mafai lava ona tali atu ai atu motu laiti pei o Samoa.

E ui ina laititi le sao o Samoa i kasa oona i le lalolagi ae o loo taulamua ile uunaia ole lalolagi e fai saofaga uma mo se lumanai manuia o tagata uma. O le talosaga ia tatou pa‘aga galulue faava-o-malo, ia savavali i a latou tautinoga e ala ile faatupeina o nei fuafuaga uma.

E fai ai a’u ma sui o le Malo o Samoa, e fa‘ailo le agaga o le fa‘afetai i tatou pa’aga galulue UNDP, Poloketi ole Climate Promise, Global Green Growth Institute ma le NDC Partnership. E momoli atu le faamalo i faalapotopotoga tumaoti, sui o nuu ma afioaga, pisinisi faapea matagaluega a le Malo na saofaga i lenei taumafaiga tāua.

E ia te au le ava tele, e faamaonia aloaia ai lenei Taiala mo lona faatinoga.

Tatou faafetaia ma viia pea le Alii ua taunuu ma le manuia lenei faamoemoe. Tuu ile Atua le faatinoga o lenei Taiala, aua o tatou lava na ole fuafua a o le Alii na te faataunuuina. O lo tatou faavae lena, e manuia ai mea uma tatou te faia aemaise Samoa ma ona tagata.

Soifua ma Ia Manuia.

December 18, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province (GDDIIT) today (December 18) convened the 12th meeting of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Cleaner Production (JWGCP) in Guangzhou. An award presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong-Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners Recognition Scheme was also held to commend 165 enterprises supporting cleaner production.
      
     The 12th meeting of the JWGCP was cochaired by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR Government, Miss Diane Wong, and the Deputy Director-General of the GDDIIT, Mr Chen Lei, to review the work progress in 2025 and approve the work plan for 2026. Governments of both Hong Kong and Guangdong will continue to promote the adoption of cleaner production technologies and practices in energy-intensive, polluting and water-intensive industries, through the promotion of the adoption and upgrading of relevant technologies; undertaking cleaner production audits; and encouraging enterprises to try out new cleaner production technologies. This is to achieve energy saving, emission reduction, and consumption and carbon emission reduction, thereby improving the regional environment and accelerating the green transformation of enterprises. Both sides will also continue to implement publicity activities to promote the effectiveness of cleaner production to the industry.
      
     The meeting was attended by representatives of the EEB, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), the Trade and Industry Department, the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong. On the Guangdong side, representatives from the GDDIIT, the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province and the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province attended the meeting.
      
     After the JWGCP meeting, the 2025 award presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong-Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners Recognition Scheme was held to commend 165 enterprises that have actively pursued cleaner production. Of these, 34 Hong Kong-owned manufacturing enterprises were commended as “Excellent Partners” while 112 were commended as “Partners”. Other commended enterprises included three sourcing enterprises and 16 environmental technology service providers.
      
     The EPD of the HKSAR Government, in collaboration with the GDDIIT, launched the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme in 2008 to promote the adoption of cleaner production technologies and practices by Hong Kong-owned factories in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province with a view to achieving emission reductions and enhancing energy saving. To date, the Programme has provided funding support for more than 4 300 projects. A new round of the Programme was launched in May this year to continue to encourage Hong Kong-owned factories to adopt new cleaner production technologies, transform and upgrade traditional industries with the adoption of green technologies, and dovetail with the country’s efforts in promoting high-quality development. To commend the dedicated efforts and achievements of Hong Kong-owned factories in pursing cleaner production, Guangdong and Hong Kong jointly launched the Recognition Scheme in 2009 to award enterprises adopting cleaner production as Hong Kong-Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners.
      
     For details of the Programme and the Recognition Scheme, please visit www.cleanerproduction.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) Subsidised Housing Committee (SHC) approved the average selling prices and sales arrangements for the Sale of Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) Flats 2025 (HOS 2025) and the Sale of Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) Flats 2025 (GSH 2025), the arrangements for the White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM) 2025 (WSM 2025), as well as the White Form (WF) income and asset limits for HOS 2025 and WSM 2025.
 
     “The HA has long been striving to enhance the housing ladder through the provision of various types of subsidised sales flat (SSF) schemes and continuous enhancement of relevant arrangements in order to assist Public Rental Housing (PRH) tenants with better financial capabilities and other eligible applicants to achieve upward mobility by purchasing SSFs. The HA is going to launch the HOS 2025, the GSH 2025 and the WSM 2025 together and start inviting applications in the second quarter of 2026. The HOS 2025 and the GSH 2025 offer a total of over 9 700 new flats while the WSM 2025 offers 7 000 quotas allowing successful applicants to purchase a flat with premium unpaid in the secondary market,” a spokesman for the HA said.
 
HOS 2025 and GSH 2025
 
Flats for sale
 
     Flats for sale under the HOS 2025 include a total of over 8 300 flats in five new HOS developments at a wide variety of locations (including Kai Tak, Kam Tin, Tseung Kwan O, Ping Shan, and Tung Chung), with saleable areas ranging from about 26.1 square metres to about 52.0 sq m (about 281 square feet to about 560 sq ft). Larger flats, with saleable areas ranging from about 41.2 sq m to about 52.0 sq m (about 443 sq ft to about 560 sq ft), will account for about a quarter of the total number of flats (see Annex 1 and Annex 2).
 
     Flats for sale under the GSH 2025 include over 1 400 new flats from a new GSH development in Kowloon Bay, with saleable areas ranging from about 26.0 sq m to about 43.6 sq m (about 280 sq ft to about 469 sq ft). Larger flats, with saleable areas ranging from about 41.5 sq m to about 43.6 sq m (about 447 sq ft to about 469 sq ft), will account for about a quarter of the total number of flats (see Annex 3 and Annex 4). Moreover, a new batch of recovered Tenants Purchase Scheme flats will also be offered for sale under the GSH 2025.
 
Pricing
 
     The HA continues to price HOS and GSH flats at an affordable level, which was based on the affordability of the applicants, i.e. at least 75 per cent of the flats for sale can allow non-owner occupier households earning the median monthly household income to spend no more than 40 per cent of their monthly income on mortgage payments. Based on this principle of setting selling prices at an affordable level, the discount for the HOS 2025 was set at 30 per cent from the assessed market values (for sale at 70 per cent of the assessed market values).
 
     The selling prices of flats in the five new HOS developments range from about $1.5 million to about $4.8 million, with an average selling price of about $2.78 million. The mortgage payment is about $11,200 per month, assuming that the buyer takes out a mortgage at 90 per cent of the flat price for a mortgage repayment period of 30 years at a prevailing mortgage interest rate of about 3.5 per cent.
 
     GSH flats will be sold at a discount of 10 per cent more than that of the preceding HOS sale exercise. Since the discount rate for the HOS 2025 was set at 30 per cent, the average selling prices of all GSH flats under the GSH 2025 would be set at 40 per cent discount from the assessed market values (i.e. for sale at 60 per cent of the assessed market values). The selling prices of flats in the new GSH development range from about $1.68 million to about $3.54 million with an average selling price of about $2.68 million. The mortgage payment is about $11,400 per month, assuming that the buyer takes out a mortgage at 95 per cent of the flat price for a mortgage repayment period of 30 years at a prevailing mortgage interest rate of about 3.5 per cent.
 
Implementation of new measures under Policy Address
 
     To facilitate upward mobility of young people, starting from the HOS 2025, an extra ballot number will be allocated to young family applicants and young one-person applicants aged below 40 with WF status who opted to join the Youth Scheme (HOS). Moreover, the HOS 2025 and the GSH 2025 will continue to implement the enhanced arrangement of allocating an extra ballot number to applicants who have failed to purchase an SSF in the last two consecutive sale exercises of the same type of SSF. The HOS and the GSH will be conducted separately.
 
     The HA will increase the quota allocation ratio between the GF and the WF from 40:60 to 50:50 starting from the HOS 2025, and at the same time increase the ratio of larger flats in HOS and GSH projects to encourage more PRH tenants to purchase SSFs. In fact, the ratio of larger flats has been increased from about 20 per cent in the past to about 25 per cent under the HOS 2025. Moreover, when design conditions of existing developments permit, the HA will progressively optimise the space utilisation of the flats. Therefore, in this new batch of HOS flats offered for sale, more than half have adopted the new design, providing residents with an improved experience upon returning home and enabling more flexible use of the space outside the kitchen, such as for placing a shoe cabinet, storage cabinet, etc. Future designs will continue to develop along this new approach.
 
     Given the supply of HOS flats in the next five years is expected to increase steadily, even the quota allocation ratio between GF and WF applicants has been adjusted to 50:50, and opportunities for WF applicants to purchase HOS flats will still increase by about 25 per cent. As in the past, the flexibility to reallocate any unused quota from the GF queue to WF queue and vice versa will be maintained.
 
     To encourage upward mobility through the housing ladder, starting from the HOS 2025 and the GSH 2025, the HA will shorten the alienation restriction period of new SSFs put up for sale in the open market, from 15 years to 10 years from the date of the first assignment.
 
WSM 2025
 
     In response to the keen demand of WSM quotas from WF applicants, the HA is further increasing the quota by 1 000 to 7 000 starting from WSM 2025, which includes 2 000 quotas for young applicants aged below 40 while the remaining 5 000 are ordinary quotas. The allocation ratio for family and one-person applicants is kept at 9:1 and any unused family quotas will be reallocated to one-person applicants and vice versa.
 
White Form Income and Asset Limits
 
     At the same time, the HA has also reviewed the WF income and asset limits with reference to the existing mechanism. For WF family applicants of the HOS 2025 and the WSM 2025, the income limit will be maintained at the same level of $60,000 per month as the HOS 2024 and the WSM 2024. According to the existing arrangement, the income limits for WF one-person applicants will be set at half the limits for family applicants at $30,000 per month. Although the income limits remain unchanged, given the number of non-owner occupied household in private sector increases, compared with HOS 2024 and WSM 2024, the eligible household number is anticipated to increase by 17 500 to 357 000.
 
     While the asset limit for WF applicants should be slightly adjusted downwards to $1,220,000 according to the existing mechanism, the HA considers that it would be appropriate to provide applicants with a buffer and maintain the asset limits for WF family applicants and one-person applicants at the same level of $1,230,000 and $615,000 respectively as the HOS 2024 and the WSM 2024.
 
     At the meeting, some SHC members raised concerns about long‑term accommodation support for those affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The HA noted that the Government will conduct a comprehensive collection of residents’ views, carry out an analysis and formulate long‑term plans to help the affected families rebuild their homes. Going forward, the HA will exercise the utmost flexibility and will fully and proactively support the Government in taking forward the relevant initiatives.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region