Head of State calls on Samoa to step into a new beginning with confidence & hope

By Lagi Keresoma/

“Let us put aside division and embrace true cooperation. Let us replace distrust with mutual understanding. Together, let us step into this new beginning with confidence, hope, and clear determination.” Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi 11.

Apia, SAMOA – 01 June 2026: The Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi 11 said the 64^th celebration of Samos independence was not only a historic milestone, but a time to reflect and remember the sacrifice by our forefathers in order for Samoa to be free from colonial rule.

Those who paved the way and have died for Samoa’s freedom were “pioneers whose unyielding vision, courage, and ultimate sacrifice secured for Samoa the right to govern its own affairs.”

The Police leading the 3 hour long March Pass of schools, organisations and government ministries.

Addressing the nation at the celebrations of its 64th independence anniversary, he said the foundations the forefathers established through faith and determination and enduring legacy serves as a guiding light for every generation of our nation.

“In reviewing the history of our country over the past sixty-four years, we recognize a journey defined by resilience and collective hope, as Samoa experienced periods of prosperity as well as times of significant national trials,” he said.

He noted such trials include natural disasters, economic challenges, and global uncertainties yet the spirit of our people remained unbroken as we have consistently drawn our strength from an unshakeable faith in the Almighty God,

It also includes family rooted connection, deep reverence for the Samoan cultural heritage, and our sacred covenant with one another which cemented the enduring foundation that brings us to the theme of this year’s celebration “Samoa United for a New Beginning.”

A confident & determine beginning
His Highness said a new beginning does not mean diminishing our history or forgetting our origins.

“Rather, it requires that we carry forward the deep wisdom of our ancestors while decisively embracing the responsibilities of the future by renewing our commitment to the fundamental principles of mutual respect, service, compassion, integrity, and our foundational Christian faith, that define our identity,” he said.

His Highness believes that unity has always been the ultimate safeguard of Samoa national stability as it is woven into the fabric of everyday lives within the families, the villages, the churches, and the communities.

“It is the collective spirit that enables us to stand resolute in times of adversity and to rejoice as one people in times of success. In this era, maintaining that national bond is paramount,” he said.

The word is advancing and it brings “shifting realities-from the reach of new digital tools to the impacts of a changing climate and the pressures of a global economy.

“These movements bring both new doors to open and serious hurdles to meet,” he said.

A call for a collective responsibility
He believes that the Government cannot hold such changes and challenges alone.

“It calls for the hands and hearts of every single Samoan. It demands the shared dedication of our leaders and people at all levels of our society; the wisdom of our elders; the innovation of our youth; the industry of those working our lands; and the enduring loyalty of our diaspora,” he said.

“Our young people stand at the absolute center of this new chapter and as the future custodians of our heritage, we have a collective duty to invest heavily in their education, support their diverse talents, reinforce their moral values, and provide the stable frameworks necessary for them to flourish,” he said.

For this to become a reality, Samoa needs to secure the advancement of its youth by ensuring that Samoa remains a strong, innovative, and confident nation.

He urged Samoa  to commit to building a Samoa that is prosperous, fair, and sustainable and strive for a society where every citizen has an equitable opportunity to succeed and a country that protects its environment for generations yet unborn; and a state that unswervingly upholds the principles of justice, peace, and good governance.

“On this Independence Day, let us re-confirm our promises to one another and to our country. Let us put aside division and embrace true cooperation. Let us replace distrust with mutual understanding. Together, let us step into this new beginning with confidence, hope, and clear determination.,” he said.

He acknowledged the role of the church leaders, the Prime Minister and Government, Parliament, and the Judiciary for their steadfast commitment to upholding the law and preserving justice in our land.

He also commend all Government Ministries and Corporations, private sector, the business community, and the wider public for your collective contributions to the development, security, and well-being of our country.

“To our development partners, thank you for continuing to work alongside our government and people in the spirit of mutual respect and trusted collaboration, and those who have travelled afar to joining the celebration.

“May the observance of this Sixty-Fourth Anniversary of Independence be marked by peace, harmony, and enduring prosperity.”

After his independence address, the Member of the Council of Deputies, Malietoa Moli Malietoa raised the flag as the police discharged 21 gun-salute.

This was followed by a three hour long parade of schools, and an unprecedented number of local and overseas groups and organisations and government ministries led by the Police Brass band.