Samoa has become the home of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (U.N.E.P) sub-regional office.

Located at Vailima inside the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (S.P.R.E.P) complex, the office will strengthen the organisation’s regional presence to assist countries deal with environment challenges.

Last night, Prime Minister and the President of the S.I.D.S conference, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, officially opened the office in the presence of the Executive Director of the U.N.E.P, Achim Steiner and many S.I.D.S delegates.

The Prime Minister also signed the host country agreement.

Tuilaepa and Mr. Steiner were both delighted about the arrangement noting that the Office is one of the results from the decisions agreed by Member States during the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20.

For the Pacific, the opening of the U.N.E.P Office comes at a critical time as they confront the multiple challenges brought by climate change and rising sea levels.

The Director of S.P.R.E.P, David Sheppard, who also addressed the gathering, was well aware of these challenges.

“Since the early days, S.P.R.E.P has grown - but so have the challenges facing our Pacific environment - from climate change, to loss of biodiversity, to the increasing problems of solid and hazardous waste,” Mr. Sheppard said.

“In dealing with these issues, we have always been happy - and at times relieved - to have U.N.E.P as a partner, as a strong supporter and, more importantly as a friend, to work together to help Pacific countries deal with the challenges of environmental management and sustainable development.”

The office will be geared to support the Pacific countries prepare for the post 2015 period and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“I want to see that every child has access to the Internet; despite their location, they should be able to access a virtual classroom. A new submarine cable will deliver much greater bandwidth while significantly reducing the cost of accessibility for people, making it so much easier for them to become part of the information age” – Denis O’Brien

Billionaire and Digicel Chairman, Denis O’Brien, has called for an undersea cable from Papua New Guinea through the Pacific and back into Sydney to increase Internet connectivity.

Such a cable, he said, will provide unlimited access to broadband services for all, bringing this “last geographic frontier into the global information age.”

According to statement issued by Digicel yesterday, the company is proposing a new submarine cable that would connect Papua New Guinea, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Cook Islands back into Sydney.

The company says the new submarine cable would deliver unlimited connectivity to consumer and business customers and have a major impact in developing the economies of these Island States.

Mr. O’Brien, who is also the United Nations Broadband Commissioner, made the call in Apia last weekend where he attended the Private Sector Forum in the lead up to S.I.D.S.

Speaking at the Samoa Convention Centre, Mr. O’Brien, used the forum to impress the importance of connectivity for UN S.I.D.S to unlock economic growth.

“There won’t be a real change in economic growth in most of the Pacific Islands until a submarine cable is built to these remote countries,” he said.

“Broadband is the umbilical cord for economic development. The Private Sector must partner with the World Bank, Asia Development Bank, IFC, The European Union and Pacific Governments to come together to build a submarine cable in order to close the digital divide that exists where Pacific Island nations do not have access to broadband.

“This cable would lead to the ‘death of distance’ and bring this last geographic frontier into the global information age.”

Mr. O’Brien’s vision to increase connectivity was supported in principle by World Bank Vice President and Special Envoy for Climate Change, Rachel Kyte, who indicated that the World Bank would consider following if Digicel were to lead on the project.

“I want to see that every child has access to the Internet; despite their location, they should be able to access a virtual classroom,” said Mr. O’Brien.

“A new submarine cable will deliver much greater bandwidth while significantly reducing the cost of accessibility for people, making it so much easier for them to become part of the information age.

“Furthermore, it will become vital to the national economies of these islands.”

In attendance at the closing of the forum, United Nations Secretary General, Tupua Ban Ki-moon, commented that, “extraordinary partnerships” were essential for Small Island Developing States.

Many echoed the sentiment and there was an overall agreement that extraordinary partnerships between government, private sector and international agencies are required to drive economic growth and increased connectivity for Small Island Developing States.

Furthermore, continued follow up and annual meetings are essential to ensure progress is made and outcomes reached following the promises made over the duration of the conference.

Mr. O’Brien has also asked for a new economic plan for heavily indebted Caribbean states.

“Just like what happened in Africa where countries were given Debt Forgiveness in lieu of revised economic plans, there has to be new policy for debt forgiveness put on the agenda so that a number of Caribbean countries can invest in education and long term economic development programmes,” he said.

“Many of the countries in the Caribbean have little or no growth and nearly half of their Government budget is being spent on interest and capital to foreign lenders.”

He continued; “The joint IMF-World Bank African HIPC (Heavily Indebted Poor Countries) debt relief initiative needs to be rolled out in eight Caribbean states immediately.

“This would result in a number of Caribbean states removing a debt burden it cannot manage. To date in Africa, US$75 billion of debt has been relieved. A similar programme needs to be urgently implemented across eight Caribbean countries.”

The Private Sector Forum culminated in the successful rejuvenation of commitments and enhancements of partnerships between national and regional S.I.D.S private sector stakeholders, Governments and international agencies.

Mr. O’Brien arrived in Samoa on Friday afternoon on a private jet. He stayed at Aggie Grey’s Beach Resort and left on Sunday.

There have been many firsts for this reporter this week.

My first Small Island Developing States Conference. My first press conference with United Nations Secretary General, Tupua Ban Ki-moon.

My first time to interview Helen Clark in her capacity as the Administrator for the United Nations Development Program. And my first selfie, ever.

When I was invited to take the selfie with Miss Clark for #selfiewithHelen, I thought why not? I am the first to admit that I am not particularly social media savvy – I might share the odd news article, use the chat function with my brother or post a photo.

So as I held the phone awkwardly in front of us, I confessed to Miss Clark that this was my first ever selfie.

Unfazed by my confession, the Administrator proceeded to instruct me on how to take such a photo.

“Don’t hold it down there,” she said. “You have to look up into it.

“No, you need to hold it up high and look up into it, otherwise you look like you have a big round head.”

She then proceeded to take the phone out of my hand and school me in the art of the selfie.

“Here I will take it.” And she did. She took two.

“Now after you take it you go into edit, and…there” – using the enhance function on my phone.

She then proceeded to delete the second one saying she wasn’t looking into the phone and I looked well, less than selfie worthy.

Miss Clark then graciously gave me the opportunity to put what she taught me into practice.

“No, no – it must be on high definition,” she said before I took the photo.

“The thing about taking a selfie is not to think about it too much.”

I got to hone my skills taking a few more selfies before the lesson came to an end.

In a post selfie lesson interview, U.N.D.P. Communications Advisor, Lisa Hiller-Garvey, said not only was this a first for me – it was the first selfie lesson Miss Clark had ever given.

Ms. Hiller-Garvey said the hashtag began spontaneously yesterday, right here in Samoa by a U.N.D.P. staff member who captured a selfie with the Administrator.

“It just happened spontaneously,” she said.

“Helen Clark is so well known, respected and loved in this region, because she really understands the development challenges that Pacific Islanders face and is a great advocate for Small Island Developing States.

“I think that’s why so many people have been very keen to take a selfie with her.

“There have been many, many requests as Helen has gone around the conference and Apia for selfies with her.

“So far seven or eight people have managed to catch her in-between meetings for a quick snap – reporters, U.N.D.P. local staff, staff at the S.I.D.S. conference (and) heads of various agencies.”

Following my brief lesson I think it would be fair to say that I will be taking a few more selfies from here on in.

And I can think of no better reason to do so than to promote sustainable development here in Samoa.

If you want to see #selfiewithhelen visit https://twitter.com/HelenClarkUNDP.

Miss Clark will visit the village Luatuanu’u village where the community there are working to try and save the forests upon which they rely for their livelihoods.

Three days into the official part of the S.I.D.S. conference, the S.I.D.S. Village outside the Tuana’imato Aquatic Centre is slowly but surely humming.

Businesses from overseas who have come to Samoa to use the conference to showcase their products seem to be doing well, judging by the smiles and reactions from some of them.

The local companies – from clothing stores to handicraft makers - are also reveling in the exposure the Village is giving tem.

But that’s just one of the reasons why accredited delegates should visit the Village.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Tuana’imato, there is also a small break area that’s got bars offering an assortment of drinks - including alcohol if that tickles your fancy.

The bars are being operated by Samoa Beverage Company (S.B.C.) and Samoa Breweries Ltd, showcasing their products including beer made from all local ingredients.

Caroline Pereira, Head of Marketing for the S.B.C, said the opportunity is golden since it allows them to promote their products to the thousands of visitors here for S.I.D.S.

S.B.C. produces Taula, Sama Beer as well as a range of soft drinks.

“So we’ve been offering them the opportunity to try our drinks,” she said. “Of course it’s a good project because we need to extend our nets and the distribution also overseas.”

Ms. Pereira said many delegates stop by in between meetings.

For Agnes Fruean, the Marketing Manager for Samoa Breweries Ltd, the conference presents them an opportunity to look beyond Samoa.

“We were invited to join this event and for us, it is of course a great chance to improve our exporting nets and to find some new countries and partners interested in our products.”

Ms. Agnes said S.I.D.S. is an ideal avenue to push their new products including Vailima Pure as well as Vailima Natural, a beer made from breadfruit that was recently launched.

“Our bar, as the one in front of us, is always full after lunch and I think we should have more space to let all the customers to enjoy and relax with a drink.”

“The show is also designed to complement the theme of the S.I.D.S Conference namely; “The Sustainable Development of Small Island Development States through genuine and durable partnerships”

Beach Road came alive yesterday morning when farmers took to the streets for the opening parade of the three-day ‘Agriculture and Fisheries Show.’

The annual event is being organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (M.A.F) as an incentive for farmers to show off their produces.

The Minister of Agriculture; Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, opened the Show.

“Showcasing of the best farms and marine protected areas as well as the best agricultural products for everyone to witness, is an old traditional Samoan practice and this practice is still and alive in today’s society,” he said.

“The show is also designed to complement the theme of the S.I.D.S Conference namely; “The Sustainable Development of Small Island Development States through genuine and durable partnerships”

“As a result of these competitions and public displays, the farmers and fishers hopefully may have been encouraged by competitions to produce the best quality products as you might have witnessed already in the displays around the compound.”

He advised farmers and fishers that “the bigger your farm size is and the more diversified, the better is your chance of winning a prize in these competitions and consequently, the better is your chance of becoming economically sustainable as a farmer in the long term.”

“This is simply a fact of life and should be common knowledge to all.” he said.

Le Mamea said the competitions are an incentive for farmers to boost Agriculture and Fisheries production.

“Let me make a few remarks or shall I say, share with you a few tips concerning the ongoing competitions to help you improve your chances of winning a prize.

“Firstly, may I urge all competitors to display your products in the best fashion possible at wherever you are in the tents so that the judges

can easily view your products when they come around for inspection.”

“Secondly, may I also remind all fellow farmers and competitors to please do not sell or remove your products from wherever they are displayed until the final round of inspections is completed tomorrow at 3pm.”

“21st century learning is not just learning as in schools, it fits in with the realities. We will partner with villages and we’ll see something awesome happen.” Mike Usmar

Excitement levels were high yesterday as over 60 young people crowded around one stall at the To’o’a Salamasina building in Apia.

The centre of their attention was the High Tech Youth Network display where a working 3D Digital printer was put through its paces during a workshop by H.T.Y.N. Programme Manager, Jiuta Korovulavula.

H.T.Y.N. which offers new learning pathways for youth, should be in Samoa in the next year after the signing of a Memorandum of Intent took place between the Government of Samoa and this not-for-profit organization yesterday morning.

Signing on behalf of the Government, the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Magele Mauiliu Magele confirmed that land has already been set aside for the High Tech Youth Network organization near Samoa College.

Matafeo Tanielu Aiafi, the Chief Executive Officer of M.E.S.C said they are very excited about this partnership.

“It provides learning opportunities outside the formal structures already offered,” he said.

H.T.Y.N, a not-for-profit organisation is focused on empowering young people aged 8-25 years of age who live in under-served and hard to reach communities.

“We’re here by invitation of Magele and we’re very grateful to have his team working with us,” said the H.T.Y.N. Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mike Usmar.

“The business of technology is so fast-paced but it needs to be anchored in strong leadership.

“We want Samoa to establish a vision and we have found that the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa and Magele are both visionary people.

“21st century learning is not just learning as in schools, it fits in with the realities. We will partner with villages and we’ll see something awesome happen. We’ll get to share and learn with them.”

With technology giants Microsoft and Adobe on their list of funding agencies, H.T.Y.N. was initially established in 2004 and is headquartered in New Zealand (Auckland) and the United States (Hawaii) with contact centres in Fiji, Sydney (Australia), and Washington DC (USA).

“We see kids going from zero to awesome with not much help from us; kids know best.

“The Network sees them become more confident, resilient and creative life-long learners by linking cultural knowledge with advanced technology.

“We believe that young people are both early adopters of technology and have an abundance of creativity and design thinking, a key driver to innovation in the 21st century.

“More over young people across the Pacific region and in particular small island developing states, have strong cultural ties to each other, and the HTYN value proposition is focused on connecting these strong, social bonds together to build a dynamic, always evolving, 21st century, learning community to support educational, social, economic and whole of life transformation,” said Mr Usmar.

“‘Tech’ is an Art, a Craft, a Science. The ‘ology’ bit is how we talk about it and the learning is a social experience.”

“We’ve actually lost control of what they’re learning, and to me that’s great,” said Mr Usmar.

The H.T.Y.N. Chief Operating Officer, Mati Filemoni Timoteo agreed.

He said possibilities for young people to engage are endless.

“Our own, unique, Pacific stories and storytelling are a rich field to create films for Youtube, Facebook and Games apps for distribution.

“People will pay for that development,” he said.

He quoted the development of the GPS which he said has nothing authentic on it as it guides you to your destination.

“It could be enhanced with some history of the area instead of talking about a golf course.”

Another example he quoted was film maker James Cameron who he said had used Maori in the language in his award-winning film ‘Avatar’.

However he cautioned, it is important to be aware of intellectual and cultural property issues.

By telling our own stories, he said, we get the most credit rather than letting others do it for us.

“Look at what author Lani Wendt Young has done to ensure she gets a bigger share of the profit from her own work?”

“Technology enhances, catapults and is non-discriminatory and we need to authenticate not just rip off from Disneyland because people are looking for authentic products,” added Mr Usmar.

HTYN has five core elements in serving youth:

The High Tech Youth Network.

It is focused on connecting young people with other young people along with inspirational adult mentors both in the real world and through virtual “online” learning opportunities; HTYN is dedicated towards developing cyber skills that promote personal development pathways for youth from middle school through to higher learning or career opportunities. By the end of 2014 there will be just over 5,200 young people involved in the Network. The Network coordinates both the professional development of staff, connecting youth to high tech industry mentors and securing caring donors and corporate sponsorship to provide underserved youth access to advanced technology that otherwise they would miss out on.

The High Tech Youth Studios

These are community facilities (either purpose built or co-located in host organizations such as schools, libraries, youth organizations etc.).

HTY Studio’s serve principally as after-school programmes that extend the learning day for youth to work in a highly creative informal learning environment that promotes Science, Technology Engineering and Computational thinking. Young people have access to industry sponsored software and hardware, and can work on projects of self interest, which could include 3d engineering, video and music production, coding, animation, robotics and more. Youth are able to connect to each other using the HTYN dedicated online learning portal, which includes video conferencing and an educationally focused social network system where youth can upload digital projects and develop a long-term development portfolio of work and a record of learning outcomes to share with peers, family, their school and potential employers or for college acceptance. Many HTY youth are eligible for HTYN Scholarships to study at a college or a higher learning program, ensuring every young person can fulfill their potential and aspirations.

High Tech Youth Academy

HTYN mediates from both an informal learning environment to formal learning opportunities for youth to gain recognized credentials while they are still at high school. The Academy provides youth +16 years and up the chance to achieve industry certification (such as Adobe and Microsoft certification) including an associated under-graduate course of study in indigenous digital design (New Zealand and Fiji currently).

High Tech Youth – Tech Shed

The “Tech Shed” allows young people access to hands-on technology such as 3d printers, computer laser cutters, motion and 3d scanning technology etc., that are principally focused on supporting those young people who choose to venture towards social enterprising pathways and capacity to start their own digital business.

High Tech Youth – Research Center

HTYN promotes evidence-based praxis, acknowledging too there is an emergent field of research in particular for indigenous youth, and their promotion and engagement in Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Currently the Center has multiple research projects focused on STEM learning, assessment and teaching constructs.

The H.T.Y.N. display at the To’o’a Salamasina building is open today and tomorrow.

A Chinese businessman who gave Samoa a spectacular fireworks display last night to mark the Teuila Festival as well as the S.I.D.S Conference is returning to China with a gift from Samoa.

The Chairman of Gong Hao Hui Business group, Deli Hu, is leaving the country as a chief, after he was bestowed an honorary matai title at Sale’aumua on Tuesday.

In Samoa for the S.I.D.S Conference, Mr. Hu received a warm welcome from Saleaumua who bestowed him the Leulua’itumua title during a traditional ceremony.

The village’s Member of Parliament, Tafua Maluelue Tafua, told the Samoa Observer that title is a gesture of appreciation from Saleaumua and the people of Samoa for Mr. Hu’s tremendous support for the Teuila and the S.I.D.S Conference.

The Member of Parliament, who is also the Associate Minister of Tourism, said Mr. Hu has not only sponsored a number of V.I.P events for S.I.D.S, he also generously sponsored the fireworks last night.

“We met over lunch in Palau and he expressed the urge to make some contribution to our Teuila Festival. Now he has done this and this assistance will be an on going thing,” Tafua said.

The M.P. also acknowledged the assistance and support from Samoa’s Ambassador to China, Tapusalaia Terry To’omata and his wife, Silverina, for their networks, making the connection between Samoa and such people like Leulua’itumua Deli Hu.

The title to the Chinese businessman is the second honorary title to have been bestowed in Samoa this week. The first one was bestowed upon the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, who was conferred the Tupua title by Sale’apaga.

The village of Luatuanu’u hosted two very special guests yesterday.

One was the U.N.D.P’s Administrator, Helen Clark, the other was the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Environment Facility (G.E.F), Naoko Ishii.

The officials are among a number of high-profile delegates in Samoa for the S.I.D.S Conference, ending today.

Ms. Clark and a host of S.I.D.S delegates took an early morning trip to the east of Upolu to inspect the Community Nursery and Community Agroforestry Plot, the Participatory Three Dimensional Model as well as the Fire Danger Class Signboard.

They were warmly welcomed by the village.

Luatuanu’u is one of the 26 communities participating in the Integration of Climate Change Risks and Resilience into Forestry Management in Samoa project.

At the village, Ms. Clark said “engaging local people in sustainably managing the water, arable land and all the resources, upon which they rely, from the ridge to the reef, is critical.

“Perhaps nowhere else on earth are people’s lives, livelihoods, and economies more reliant on a healthy environment than they are in the

Small Island Developing States,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E), Suluimalo Amataga Penaia, said climate change has taken a real toll on many communities in Samoa.

“Sea level rise and adverse impacts of climate change continue to pose a risk to S.I.D.S and their effort to achieve sustainable development and their survival viability,” he said.

“Samoa is committed to mainstreaming and integration of Climate Change in the strategy for the development of Samoa 2012-2018.”

Suluimalo also acknowledged the continued partnerships with the U.N.D.P. and the G.E.F. in addressing the climate change issues through implementation of National Adaptation Plan of Action prioritised sectors in the form of projects.

Some of the work that the Integration of Climate Change Risks and Resilience into Forestry Managements in Samoa includes; “Climate Change risks and resilience are integrated into forestry policy frameworks – a fire weather index sign has been installed tailoring climate information to the forestry sector and climate maps of climate projections are also available.”

“Climate resilience and Project knowledge and lessons learnt are captured, analysed and disseminate.

“This is particularly valuable for stakeholders in S.I.D.S which have been for too long marginalized in climate negotiations and policy processes.”

Representatives from Brahma Kumaris Australia, Gabrielle Martin and Maureen O’Connor, are in Samoa for S.I.D.S, offering a slightly different perspective to all the discussions that are taking place there.

Yesterday, the duo featured in a side event held at the U.S.P Alafua called ‘Tackling sustainability through spirituality.’ The event was part of the ongoing S.I.D.S conference, which ends today.

The event was to delve into emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence, in an attempt to turn very “hot heads” and “cold hearts” into very “cool heads and warm hearts so we can find solutions that way.”

Until everyone knows who they are spiritually, they will not go far in terms of finding solutions.

“So that’s the central message that we are bringing into the dialogue is that when we know who we are spiritually and feel the beauty of that peace then we can be able to give that to others,” said Ms. Martin.

“So that’s the energy that we bring into the environment and the solution comes from that space and it’s time to get back to those values because that’s the path that’s missing.

“It’s no coincidence that over consumption for example comes from the lack of peace. And over consumption is something that causes huge amount of problems in our world.”

Ms. Martin said yesterday’s side event was slightly different from the other discussions that have been happening all week.

“There is so much that’s happening and we know so much scientifically about what’s happening in our world and what we need to do.

Yet for a number of years, it seems like something is holding us back,” said Ms. Martin.

“So it’s almost like winning the hearts into the dialogue and saying that we have to move away from these very tough positions and take them collective positions because the time to act is now.”

Ms. Martin said she admires how Samoa is using this same dialogue by opening up their hearts through their hospitality in hosting the S.I.D.S conference.

“It’s a wonderful thing that this dialogue is happening here in the South Pacific and in Samoa which is the sacred centre,” she said.

“Also one of the things that Samoa has demonstrated so beautifully is the hearts; they opened their hearts and bringing that equation into the dialogue until we get back those original values which are respect for ourselves the environment, and for other people.

“Until we can do that, we are at a greater chance of being able to heal our planet, which is what our planet desperately needs at the moment.”

Brahma Kumaris are individuals of all ages and backgrounds who regularly attend classes at more than 8,500centres of the Braham Kumaris World Spiritual University located in 110 countries.

They study spiritual knowledge that nurtures respect for all faith traditions, coherently explains the nature of soul, God, time, karma and delineates an enlightened lifestyle.

Australian Senator Brett Mason says the aid proportion of pacific island nation budgets is decreasing.

The Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Foreign Affairs made this claim while in Apia to attend the Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S.) Conference.

“Well it is a funny thing,” he said, “but Aid as a proportion of many of the budgets in the Pacific Islands is actually decreasing.”

“The biggest recipient of Australian aid is Papua New Guinea and it is about half a billion dollars a year.”

“And as a proportion of the Papua New Guinea budget it is rapidly decreasing.”

Senator Mason emphasised that while aid was important, what Foreign Minister Julie Bishop wants people to appreciate, and he believes Pacific leaders do, is that the private sector is at the centre growth.

“You are only going to get sustainable economic development when you have a growing private sector,” he said.

“Otherwise simply, aid of course becomes something that the Pacific Island Countries will use for service delivery.

“That really isn’t the idea of foreign aid, we want to build up a sustainable private sector that can employ people, and do what governments should do.

“You know raise taxes for private industry and then support their people with health education and welfare.”

He said this is what the Australian aid paradigm is moving towards.

“To try to build up the private sector and develop partnerships and leverage with important private businesses,” he said.

“Now that is easier in some countries than in others…I accept that.

“But Samoa, Fiji, PNG which have a pretty good base, even Vanuatu we are doing a bit of work there with the private sector.

“Because, as I say overseas development assistance from Australia as a proportion of national budgets is decreasing.”

He said one way to look at it was that Australia could give more in the way of foreign aid or its government could boost programs such as the Seasonal Worker Program where workers can then send remittances back home.

“That might be a far better way of actually of supporting island countries,” he said. “So it is issues like that, issues like promoting the private sector, philanthropy increasingly.

“So there in other words, it is not just about governments donor recipients any more, it a much broader panorama of development assistance.”

Barbara Harris loves Samoa. She has been here several times before and this week she is back again for the S.I.D.S conference.

This time, her mission is to promote the use of renewable energy technology as one of the ways to combat climate change.

Ms. Harris is the Deputy Director, Trade and also Vice-Consul U.K. Trade and Investment for the United Kingdom’s British Consulate-General in Auckland.

Earlier this week, she was the moderator during a side event at Alafua where the use of renewable energy was strongly promoted.

“It is the way to the future,” she said. “I am here to share from our experience and expertise so that we can assist S.I.D.S in renewable energy.”

According to Ms. Harris, what many people don’t know is that Britain was first in the world to legislate a commitment to reduce carbon emission. At the time, they also committed to have 20 per cent of their energy from renewable energy by 2020.

“So with that commitment to the world and to making sure that everybody in the world is aware of climate change and what we need to do – Britain has become a leader in technology and different forms of renewable energy within the U.K.”

At S.I.D.S 2014, Ms Harris said it is critical for participants to seriously consider new forms of renewable energy if they want to combat climate change.

“The U.K. is part of the European Union and we all know how much the E.U. contributes as a major player in systems of development.

“The U.K. contributes 15 per cent of both finance and of practical expertise and understanding of the needs of how to go about it.”

One positive outcome of the side event meeting was feedback from a representative of University of the South Pacific (USP), who suggested that all universities from all 12 campuses should work together with Britain for energy needs.

But Ms. Harris believes that what people were most interested in was “to know how to access the technology and how does it all work.”

Amidst the buzz at the S.I.D.S conference are business people, students and artists of sorts who are there to showcase their work.

Their base is the S.I.D.S Village, which has been one of the most frequented places at the venue, since it was opened last week.

The businesses from Samoa and abroad are joined by schools and other organisations looking to make their presence felt at the biggest conference to have been hosted by Samoa.

“We decided to be here at Tuana’imato during the S.I.D.S Meeting because we want the people who are attending the meeting to know how talented these young kids are,” said Time Afoa, of Loto Taumafai. “Despite the fact that they have special needs, they can also do what normal people do and they are here to showcase their talents.”

Speaking of talents, the Principal of Leulumoega Fou Art School, Pelenato Ioane Liufau, says S.I.D.S is providing their students with the exposure they need.

“This is a great opportunity for the students to showcase their skills not only to the people of Samoa but for the people of several different countries who are here for the conference,” said Pelenato.

The school has played a key part in decorating Tuana’imato and during the week of S.I.D.S, students are there with their tools to work on carvings and different sculptures.

“We wanted to be here and do the work in front of people so they can see that the work is done by Samoan people here in Samoa.”

But the Village is not just about the Samoans.

Sandhya Narayan, of the Friend Fiji Business, promoting Indo Fijian tea, sees S.I.D.S as an exciting opportunity for them.

“I think being part of this is very important because us as a Fijian business, we have a product that we think will help with the health of the people,” said Narayan.

“We know that Samoans love to drink coffee and tea, so our product is more like an Indo Fijian tea and we want the people to taste it.

Once they do, they will believe it and it’s good for the health.”

The National University of Samoa department of design and textiles is also there.

“Well we want the visitors to see how of Samoa are very creative in their artworks,” said Leala Mose Ng Lam.

“We want them to know that we can not only do one thing or two, but more than that. There are ten of us who are doing this project and we’re all doing different crafts for to showcase the creativity of Samoa to our visitors.”

Women should be encouraged to find their true potential and explore different life skills to develop themselves, families and communities.

So says the President of Pan Pacific & South East Asia Women’s Organisation, Papali’i Dr. Viopapa Annandale.

Failure to do this holds them back from being empowered, she says.

Her comments come at a time when thousands of delegates are in Samoa to discuss a way forward for the sustainable development of S.I.D.S.

One of the issues being discussed is the empowerment of women, among other women development-related issues.

On Monday, a side event hosted by UN Women presented the opportunity for P.P.S.E.A.W.A to network with delegates at the meeting.

Held at Si’usega, Papali’i says one of the ways to empower women is to encourage them to think outside the box.

For women in Samoa for instance, they need to be proactive in finding markets to sell their handicrafts or whatever is it that they are good at. She says Samoan women are very creative but some are not proactive enough to find markets for their products.

“They need to find opportunities for markets outside the village,” she says. Papali’i says that listening to presentations by women from different countries has been very rewarding.

“They are doing amazing stuff especially women from Papua New Guinea and Fiji.”

The side event on Monday meeting was packed by representatives of P.P.S.E.A.W.A, other S.I.D.S member countries and the Caribbean.

She said the opportunity means finding out about what these other countries were doing.

Looking at Samoa, she said we need to do more in order to progress the work of empowering women, specifically in areas of handicrafts and finding markets for these products.

She expressed amazement at the achievements of other women in visiting countries especially with vendor women and women working with police.

“We are doing very similar things but need to get more serious,” she said.

This is what she means by Samoan women needing to be proactive in finding markets “outside their villages to sell their wares”.

Papali’i urges women to use their creativity to create products to sell and to find markets to sell it to.

She expressed thanks to UNWomen for organising the side event. She also acknowledged and praised the work of the UNWomen in plans to establish a basic website program that women can access to promote and sell their wares.

Her solution is for women to sell themselves and be able “say I am good at what I do I make beautiful ie lavalava and elei come to me and I will sell it to you”.

TASTE OF SAMOA: Deputy Director General of the International Labour Organisation, Gilbert Houngbo takes part in the ava ceremony to officially open the S.I.D.S Trade Village on the first day of the S.I.D.S Conference. Mr. Houngbo also cut the ribbon to release helium balloons into the air to signal the start of trade in the S.I.D.S Trade Village. Photo: Supplied.

Angela Hazelman and Mathew Taiki from Samoa are among winners announced

Digicel yesterday announced its Smartphone prize-winners following a four week online Weather Together competition in partnership with the World Meteorological Organisation.

The competition was sponsored in support of a global campaign to improve weather and climate services for all Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S).

The campaign was launched on 4th August with the additional support of the World Meteorological Organisation (W.M.O) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (S.P.R.E.P).

The Small Islands, Weather Together campaign (www.weathertogether.org) main aim was to show how the small island developing states of the world can work together to improve their vital weather and climate services.

Digicel showed their support by partnering with the WMO in a joint social media competition via the Weather Together website and sponsored Smartphones as prizes and assisted in driving entries and promotion of the competition. The partnership involved two competitions which encompassed content sharing amplifying the main message behind the campaign.

Digicel Pacific Had of Marketing, Katie Taylor said ‘’we are very pleased with the overwhelming participation from all our participating Digicel markets of Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Nauru, PNG and Samoa.

“We set out in support of this campaign to create awareness of climate change in S.I.D.s and we’re glad that our support to generate greater understanding of how mobile technology works to provide early warnings and post event support for extreme weather in Digicel markets has resulted in positive engagement from participants. The campaign has provided valuable insight and highlights how people actually use their mobile phones to help loved ones during extreme weather’’.

The Smartphone winners from participating Digicel markets are: Yesudass Naiker from Fiji; Angela Hazelman from Samoa; Uluaki Taumalolo from Tonga; Monsheree Dageago from Nauru; Nicky Moliva from Vanuatu; and Joann Diala from Papua New Guinea.

Winner of our Regional photo caption competition is Mathew Taiki from Samoa. His winning photo entry captured the aftermath of Cyclone Evan in Apia in December 2012.

Mr. Taiki’s winning caption described how he used his mobile phone to contact his family and friends to ensure they were safe and to warn them of the dangers of flash floods in which case they needed to evacuate early.
The Small Islands, Weather Together campaign was launched specifically to coincide with the lead up to the United Nations Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, currently being held in Apia, Samoa, from 1–4

September, 2014.

Visit our Digicel Facebook pages and our Digicel Friends & Family Facebook and Twitter page to view the winners and their winning entries.

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The United Nations Secretary-General, Tupua Ban Ki-moon, sailed aboard the traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa with islands leaders in celebration of the International Year of Small Island Developing States in Apia Harbour, Samoa.

Tupua also presented Nainoa Thompson, President and Master Navigator of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, and the crew of the Worldwide Voyage with a handwritten message in a bottle, asking them to carry it with them as they circle the globe.

The message stated, “I am honoured to be a part of Hōkūle'a’s Worldwide Voyage. I am inspired by its global mission. As you tour the globe, I will work and rally more leaders to our common cause of ushering in a more sustainable future and a life of dignity for all.

“People often say we are in the same boat,” Tupua said, “I would say we are all on the same small island on the same small planet Earth; this is like a small boat in the universe.”

For Mr. Thompson, having Tupua aboard was an honour.

“Hōkūle'a threads together stories of hope as she voyages across the world’s oceans,” he said. “We are inspired that His Excellency Ban Ki-moon and island leaders are coming together on Hōkūle'a’s deck around shared values of preserving and protecting our oceans.”

The UN Secretary General was joined on the Hōkūle‘a at the end of the sail by the President of Palau, Tommy Remengesau Jr., who is also the Co-Chair of the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA).

“The crossing of this very ocean by our ancestors centuries ago is an appropriate metaphor for the complex issues that we as Small Island Developing States continue to face,” said President Remengesau.

“To sustainably develop our island countries, genuine and real partnerships are required to ensure that the pursuit of the conveniences of today do not come at the expense of the sustainability of tomorrow."

The Hōkūle‘a and its sister vessel, Hikianalia, were welcomed to Samoa earlier this morning by the Head of State of Samoa as the Patron of the Aiga Folau o Samoa (Samoan Voyaging Society) during a traditional ceremony attended by crowds, from island leaders to dancers and performers from the Apia community.

The Hōkūle‘a and her crew set sail from Hawai‘i in May 2014 as part of the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage – meaning “to care for our Island Earth.” These courageous navigators have used only the signs of the waves, winds and stars to navigate to Samoa via French Polynesia, Cook Islands and American Samoa, for the United Nations Conference of Small Island Developing States (UNSIDS).

During the UNSIDS Conference, the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage and other innovative island-led initiatives such as the State of Hawai‘i's Aloha+ Challenge will be showcased at strategic events coordinated by GLISPA to inspire new partnerships and catalyze commitment to greater action for a sustainable future for our island Earth.

"The Aloha+ Challenge is Hawai‘i's commitment to Mālama Honua." said Mr. William Aila, Chair of the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources. "As islanders, we recognize that caring for our oceans, lands and peoples is part of our culture. The Hōkūle‘a has inspired us to be guided by our past as we navigate towards a more sustainable future with the 2030 Aloha+ Challenge targets as our shared destination."

The UNSIDS conference brings together world leaders to focus on determining priorities to promote sustainable development of Small Island Developing States: a group of countries that are unique and particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change, invasive species and overconsumption of natural resources that pose a threat to the very existence of some islands.

“The Worldwide Voyage represents a durable, lasting and innovative partnership to protect our oceans in a new way, inspired by traditional knowledge and local wisdom,” said Thompson. “Our sincere hope is that by sharing Hōkūle‘a’s voyage with the global community, it will inspire us all to acknowledge that the issues facing our environment are ultimately shared problems, for which we must devise shared solutions.”

After the Samoa conference, Hōkūle'a and Hikianalia continue their sail across Earth’s oceans to grow the global movement toward a more sustainable world. The Worldwide Voyage, sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines, will cover 47,000 nautical miles, 85 ports and 26 countries, including 12 of UNESCO’s Marine World Heritage sites, through June 2017.

The UN Secretary General was joined Worldwide Voyage crew and specialists such as Sylvia Earle of Mission Blue, artist Wyland, and Blue Planet founder Henk Rogers. The Polynesian Voyaging Society’s engagement in the UNSIDS conference is supported by the Global Island Partnership, United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Samoa Voyaging Society,

State of Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Green Growth, Tuputupu-A’e Education Trust, Conservation International, Sylvia Earle Alliance and Mission Blue.

“The election campaign is a bit of a circus back at the moment the media have done that to it. I just expect that in the final week or so that people will get to focus on the key issues that always should dominate election campaigns”

The New Zealand government will increase its development budget if it is re-elected later this month.

That’s what that country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tupa’i Murray McCully, told the Samoa Observer this week.

In Apia for the 2014 Small Island Developing States Conference (S.I.D.S.), Tupa’i said 60 per cent of New Zealand’s aid budget was spent in the Pacific.

“Which means S.I.D.S. is core business for us,” he said.

“In particular we have bumped up our programs in Polynesia very substantially and we will maintain that."

“As many people know we have been doing all of this on a flat-line budget over the last three years."

“From next year now that we have got the earthquake expenditure behind us and the GFC (Global Financial Crisis) behind us, we have got an increased development budget."

“So I am looking forward to the opportunity to have more resource to spend where we have had that luxury for quite a few years.”
Minister Tupa’i said he believes his government had been doing the right stuff and “want to do more of it.”

“It has been a great thrill for me to come here and see the opening of the solar array just across the road,” he said.

“That is an undertaking that has been completed in four months flat."

“People at this conference cannot believe that development projects can be done that quickly."

“I think we need to play a part in shifting the expectations in development community, we need to get more projects that move as quickly as that one did.”

When asked why To'osavili John Key was not in attendance at the conference, Tupa’i said he is campaigning hard every day in New Zealand at the moment.
“We are two and a half weeks from an election so he is not going anywhere,” he said.

With regards to the Pacific vote, Tupa’i said the last few years have seen a significant base of support for the National Party from Pacific Island members of the community.

“That is not something that used to be the case,” he said. “It is a result of a number of things but we are fortunate to have also some very strong pacific candidates including Members of Parliament and Ministers."

“The Pacific vote has become a very important part of New Zealand elections.”

And how did he feel about the up coming election?

“You know, I am always pretty composed about these things,” he answered.

“The public are going to sort it out the way they want it and you have to respect that process."

“The election campaign is a bit of a circus back at the moment the media have done that to it."

“I just expect that in the final week or so that people will get to focus on the key issues that always should dominate election campaigns "

“I think that is what the public are doing that is why the poll haven’t moved very much in recent times.”

For Samoa to be able to trade effectively, it must brand itself intelligently, says Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (I.T.C), Arancha Gonzalez.

Ms. Gonzalez is in Samoa attending the 2014 Third Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S.) conference, which ended last night.

Earlier this week, she featured in a side event in partnership with the government of Samoa about Integrating Women Entrepreneurs in Small Island Developing States into the Global Economy.

“Now in a small island like Samoa, or a small island like Tonga, anywhere in the Pacific where size is a limitation, I think the answer is to invest (in) efforts to make sure your economic operators capture a greater part of the value in country,” she said.

“So you try to add value to the assets that you have. These islands have amazing assets. Agriculture is a huge asset in these islands, with a rich biodiversity, one that to my mind has not been fully exploited yet.”

She said there was a way not to work on quantities, on bulk, not to work on trying economies of a scale, which is very complicated when you have such a small size.

“But rather trying to work on value addition and for that branding is an amazing tool to do that,” said Ms. Gonzalez.

“And using brand Samoa in an intelligent way. Whether it is to brand yourself as a tourist destination, whether it is to brand the coconut oil that you produce, whether it is to brand the tapas that you produce so incredibly."

“Countries have to invest. Samoa has to invest on brand Samoa, which is a big part of being able to capture a greater part of the value of international trade.”

Ms. Gonzalas said she thinks trade in the 21st century is as much about tariff as it is about non-tariff barriers.

“Standards, regulations, precautionary measures, preventative measures, prudential regulations and that is much more difficult,” she said.

“This is why I say for trade to work, you have to open trade you have to open trade, but you also have to build the capacity of your operators to trade.”

Yesterday, Ms. Gonzalez announced a procurement partnership between I.T.C. and Samoa where the Government has to buy from women entrepreneurs.

In an interview with sidslive.com, she said through the partnership they would focus on value adding to the products the women produce looking specifically at product standards, packaging and labeling.

She said the reason this project was so important was that only one per cent of global procurement goes to women.

“Women re-invest 90 per cent of their revenue… in their societies, in their families, in their communities, compared to 40 per cent of men entrepreneurs,” she said.

“It is not just because it is fair or right, but because it makes sense.”

The Agriculture Show for this year ended yesterday, bringing to a close the country’s premier agriculture event.

Farmers and fishers from all over the country had registered for the event and for three days, hundreds dropped by at the venue for a glimpse of what they had to show.

If anything, the abundance of root crops, vegetables and a strong showing by livestock farmers means food security for Samoa, for the next few years at least, is guaranteed.

One of the most popular competitions for this year was the Tilapia Cooking competition. With tilapia farms springing up all across the country, the Show presented fishers with the opportunity to put their cooking skills to the test.

Funded by Australian Community Aquaculture Projects, Aquaculture Specialists Dr. Timothy Pickering said the competition was a big hit, promoting another way of producing food.

Dr. Pickering said tilapia farming is one of the fastest growing trends because it is easy to farm the fish.

“This fish gives you a lot of leeway to farm, a very hearty variety that is adaptable to different types of feed and we had a taste of raw tilapia fish last Tuesday, and it’s pretty good.”

“So promoting the competition in cooking tilapia will also promote tilapia farming to the people of Samoa as well as the whole Pacific Island countries.”

“We would love to come again next year and help in preparing different recipes for cooking tilapia.”

The competition was won by the family of Levusi, from Moamoa. They entered a deep fried as well as a barbequed tilapia.

Levusi and her daughter-in-law, Ruta Folau-Levi, have been farming tilapia for years.

As a thriving farmer, Mrs Folau-Levi says that, because tilapia farming is not labour intensive, it gives her enough time to concentrate on other commitments.

“Learning techniques like fish sampling helps farmers identify the right size of the fish to harvest,” she said.

“This is a welcome development for farmers who will be able to better respond to the market demand for fish and contribute towards improving food security in the country.”

Ten beauties will vie for the Teuila Festival’s crowning glory tonight – the title of Miss Samoa 2014.

The Miss Samoa Pageant will be the Festival’s final event, with contestants set to show they have got what it takes to win out the front of the Government Building.

Pageant organiser, Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, from Manaia Events Incorporated said all week the contestants have been kept busy with pre-pageant events.

Thursday saw the girls take their pre-pageant interviews, with Leiataualesa saying each contestant was extraordinary.

“They are all different and they all have different personalities,” he said.

“For today’s event all the contestant’s did very well."

“This (event) is to prepare them with their interview category to be confident in front of people on the night.”

Talking to the contestants on Thursday, Miss Superkidz Samoa Foundation Faailoga Leota said the pageant was a great opportunity for me to meet the other girls.

“It has been really busy for all of us, with all the preparations and the rehearsals,” she said.

“It’s been keeping us all on our feet lately.”

Miss Veronica’s Tili Lafaele agreed with the Miss Superkidz Samoa Foundation that this year’s pageant gave her the chance to meet some wonderful girls.

“I feel very blessed because of the fact that I am able to meet all the wonderful contestants,” she said.

“I know it’s going to be a tough competition because all of these girls are all intelligent and all are beautiful."

“So for me I will be myself and have fun with the rest of them and hope that one of us will be blessed on the night.”

Leiataualesa said the pre-pageant events continued yesterday, with the contestants riding in V8 cars during a parade which started from Vaisigano around the clock in Apia and ended in front of the front of the Government Building.

The girls took the opportunity to put their best foot forward, waving to the community and giving lollies out to the children.

The main event will be held tonight and Leiataualesa urged the community to come to the Government Building tonight at 7pm to see who will be the next Miss Samoa.

“I can only ask everyone to come and support the ten girls,” he said.

“By Saturday we will still be having some guests from the S.I.D.S. (Small Island Developing States) conference so we want to make sure that we leave the best showcase last."

“So I hope that everyone will enjoy the pageant.”

Leiataualesa asked that those who do attend the event to please respect each other and not to cause any unnecessary scenes.

He said Beach Road will be closed on Saturday night, to allow people to move around and to prevent accidents.