Bilateral Meeting with H.E Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Pa’olelei Luteru, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Samoa to the United Nations and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)

Nadi, Fiji - At the SIDS Solutions Forum held in Nadi, Fiji, the FAO Director-General met with H.E Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Dr Pa’olelei Luteru, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Samoa to the United Nations and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

Discussions focused on promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in the Pacific. The Director-General highlighted the importance of promoting healthier diets and suggested that local food culture and restaurants could support this transformation.

The Ambassador emphasized the need for shifting mindsets, particularly among youth, and suggested Samoa’s agricultural campuses model sustainable practices.

The Director-General referenced FAO’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, noting taro as a key product for tropical environments.

Both parties agreed on the importance of collaboration to advance regional food security goals.