The 9th of August, 2014 was a day of celebration across Samoa, when a ceremony to commemorate Fathers’ Day was held at the Tooa Salamasina Hall. Under the theme, “Developing Communities will Sustain the Pacific and Save the World”, the Government of Samoa, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Local Government Forum invited more than three hundred participants from Upolu Island.  The bulk of participants were both the Government representatives of villages (village mayor) and the women representatives. 

The opening ceremony of the half day programme was led by Father Penitito Mauga of the Catholic Church.  The keynote address was delivered by the Hon. Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi.  In his address, the Prime Minister congratulated the achievements and sacrifices made by fathers in their small village communities, which has resulted in major developments at the national level.  He also acknowledged with sincere gratitude the contribution of all partners and stakeholders, which has enabled Samoa to host the upcoming SIDS Conference. 

The day concluded with a seminar/workshop on the themes of the SIDS conference, especially in areas that were of relevancy to developing Samoa’s local community.  The CEO of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Deputy Director of SPREP spoke on both the national and regional perspectives of the themes of the SIDS conference in relation to the outcomes of the Port Moresby conference. 

The emphasis from the key speakers’ presentations was on the responsibilities of the individuals and communities towards Samoa and the Pacific.  Protecting the environment was paramount to a lot of discussions amongst the participants, and a number of relevant issues were raised by participants with regards to the SIDS conference.  Amongst these issues were (1) the need for stronger island collaboration and representation to lobby for necessary changes at the regional and international level, (2) the need to act locally while thinking globally with sustainable measures; and (3) health related concerns with the Ebola and other related diseases that could affect Samoa through participation by representatives of affected countries in Africa in particular.  The need for stronger community/village governments, championing the principles of good governance was resolved as the way forward for collective actions and collaborative efforts to sustain and protect the environment of the Pacific. 

We acknowledge therefore with gratitude the assistance of the CLGF Pacific and the Government of Samoa, MNRE, and SPREP for the assistance in the successful commemoration of the 2014 Fathers’ Day of Samoa.  We can say with certainty that In Saving the Pacific, we save the world. 

Article contribute by Nanai Sovala, CLGF Staff, Samoa