Samoa sign NZ$15million Grant Climate Finance Partnership Arrangement

19 December 2023: Samoa will receive a NZ$15million grant under the Samoa Climate Finance Partnership Arrangement.

The grant was signed in Apia by the Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai and the High Commissioner of Aotearoa New Zealand H.E Matheson on Friday 15 December 2023.

The purpose of the partnership arrangement is to pursue a long term, collaborative and principle-based partnership to assist Samoa to address challenges from extreme weather events, as well as tackling even more fundamental issues of security, culture and well-being from the long-term impacts of climate change.

The arrangement outlines how the climate finance assistance would support the Government of Samoa to deliver its priorities and actions to build a more resilient Samoa.

Minister Lautimuia acknowledged with appreciation the continuous partnership and assistance from Aotearoa New Zealand supporting Samoa’s priorities in combating climate change impacts.

This support reaffirmed the commitment made by the former Prime Minister Ardern during her visit to Apia in August 2022, further solidifying and celebrating the long standing friendship between Samoa and New Zealand.

Minister Lautimiuia also conveyed heartfelt appreciation and acknowledgement of H.E Matheson’s assistance and contribution to Samoa during his tenure as High Commissioner for New Zealand, especially during the multiple crises including the measles, Covid19 pandemic, Samoa’s recovery efforts and Samoa’s preparations to host CHOGM in 2024.