Source:
Official Speech by the Acting Prime Minister of Samoa Afioga Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo
Honourable Ministers of Cabinet
Your Excellency, Mr. Ryotaro Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to Samoa
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
President and CEO of SUNGO and Board Members
Executive Director of PIANGO
Chief Executive Officers of Government Ministries
Representatives of Civil Society Organisations
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
Talofa lava, malo le soifua maua ma le lagi e mamā.
Today is not just the opening of a building — it is the opening of possibilities.
This centre is more than bricks and mortar — it is a beacon of hope, where government, civil society, and our partners build together the resilient Samoa our people deserve.
It marks a milestone in our national journey, where government, civil society, and international partners stand shoulder to shoulder to build a stronger and more resilient Samoa.
On behalf of the Government of Samoa, I extend our deepest appreciation to the Government and People of Japan for their generosity and enduring friendship.
Your Excellency, Japan has long been a partner whose support is humble yet transformative.
From education and health to climate resilience and infrastructure, Japan’s assistance has strengthened our communities and touched countless lives.
This training facility is not just development aid — it is a bridge of trust, respect, and shared values between our two nations.
Our nation’s strength lies in collective action. Civil society, especially through SUNGO, has always been central to this.
Today, SUNGO unites over 100 non-governmental and community-based organisations, reaching thousands of Samoans across every district. In times of disaster, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and throughout community recovery, SUNGO has stood at the frontline — ensuring that voices from the grassroots are heard, respected, and acted upon.
But challenges remain. We know that too many village committees still lack access to formal training in accountability and governance. We know that many civil society organisations continue to face gaps in skills, resources, and systems to strengthen their impact.
This new facility will help to close those gaps — building the knowledge, capacity, and confidence our communities and civil society leaders need to serve effectively.
This centre is more than bricks and mortar. It is an investment in people, in leadership, and in potential.
Here, youth leaders will sharpen their skills.
Here, women’s committees and disability advocates will grow their capacity.
Here, communities will gain tools for governance, disaster preparedness, and rights-based advocacy.
It will be a hub for leadership and governance training, financial literacy and accountability, disaster resilience, rights-based education, and inclusive dialogue — ensuring that voices from every district are heard.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT VISION
This facility also reflects our national vision. It complements the Pathway for the Development of Samoa, and connects directly with the work of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development.
Through the District Development Programme, Government is investing one million tala every year in every district.
Through the Early Childhood Development Framework, we are prioritising the first 1,000 days of life.
Through our Gender Equality and Disability Inclusion strategies, we are ensuring dignity and opportunity for all.
SUNGO’s training facility is a natural partner to these initiatives — providing a space where communities are not only recipients of development, but shapers of it.
Let me be clear: the Government of Samoa does not see civil society as separate. You are our partners in nation-building.
Together, we can ensure that development funding — whether through the District Development Programme or through civil society initiatives — delivers real, accountable impact at the grassroots.
This facility is a tool for that partnership. But its true power lies in how it will be used: in every workshop, in every dialogue, and in every leader it nurtures for the good of Samoa.
In closing, I once again thank the Government of Japan for your generosity and enduring friendship. I congratulate SUNGO on this milestone, and I commend the unity and effort of all who have made it possible.
Let this centre stand as a beacon of hope, a hall of learning, and a platform for change. May it remind us that when government, civil society, and our partners work together — Samoa moves forward, stronger and more resilient than ever.
Ia fa’amanuia le Atua i lenei nofoaga fou, ma fa’amalō atu i le galuega lelei.
Soifua ma ia manuia.