PRESS RELEASE – American Samoa 3rd Disaster Resilience Summit, 3 – 6 September, 2024

Samoa was represented to the American Samoa 3rd Disaster Resilience Summit by the MNRE, Chief Executive Officer Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown-Reupena and ACEO-DMO Fesola'i Molly Faamanatu Nielsen. The prestigious event brought together experts, government officials and humanitarian organisation focusing on advancing strategies for disaster preparedness, response and recovery to the communities. The theme for this year's summit is 'Our Community Our Responsibility' a theme that resonates deeply with our Faasamoa, our way of life. "This year's theme is a strong reminder to us of the critical roles that we play in keeping our community safe and secure. These roles form our collective responsibility in ensuring a transformative and resilient peoples and communities" Lealaisalanoa Frances Reupena.

The summit featured a leadership session and a series of workshop, panel discussions and outreach programs. The ministry was honored to be part of this critical dialogues and to share our insights, experiences and disaster risk management programs to the communities. "This summit provides an invaluable opportunity to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and develop innovative solutions that will enhance our ability to prepare, respond and recover from disasters and emergencies between the two Samoa's" Fesola'i Molly Nielsen. The ministry's presence is a demonstration of cooperation and support between the two disaster offices and governments on areas that of mutual interest and in keeping with the spirit of our Atoa o Samoa.

The ministry utilizes the opportunity to conduct bilateral meetings with other agencies such as the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) on waste management, landfill and sludge treatments. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to discuss water quality and the Department of Resilience to discuss climate change adaptation and mitigation. The Department of Biosecurity and Invasive Species to converse on the status of the swallowtail butterfly moreover the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources to deliberate on forestry and marine conservation. The summit concluded with visits to the Emergency Operation Center (EOC).

The government acknowledged the Pacific Community (SPC) for the support. Furthermore, congratulates the Office of the Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management (ODAPM) in American Samoa for this year's successful summit.

SOURCE - Disaster Management Office - Samoa