Easing the MPs into their new role
16th March 2016 – UN Women and UNDP, in partnership with the Office of the Clerk and Legislative Assembly (OCLA) and other Government
Ministries, have prepared a training session for the members of the Cabinet on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable
Development Goals.
The session is part of a three-day induction programme prepared by OCLA aimed at easing the MPs into their new role
before the first Parliament sitting takes place. The induction started yesterday and includes an official welcome and
tour of Parliament, followed by information sessions on its statutory functions and responsibilities, finance and
legislative procedures.
The programme for the third-day includes eight different presentations on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
adopted by 193 Members States in September 2015.
Three UN Agencies - namely the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women and the International Labour
Organization (ILO) - will be facilitating thematic sessions on issues such as gender equality, women’s empowerment,
inclusive growth and work opportunities.
Ms. Lizbeth Cullity, United Nations Resident Coordinator, will be giving an overview on the Sustainable Development
Goals while Mr. John Hyde - UNDP-UNODC Anti-Corruption Consultant - will be highlighting the role that Parliamentarians
can play to localize the global development agenda.
As the UN Resident Coordinator pointed out: “The 2030 Agenda is broad and calls for for a whole-of-government,
whole-of-society strategy. The UN System needs to engage with Parliamentarians and Government Ministries but also with
partners of all levels to make the new development agenda a reality.”
"The SDGs offer a key oversight role for parliamentarians to ensure local priorities are properly and transparently
implemented," added Mr. Hyde, a former Australian member of Parliament.
Providing post-election mentoring support to all Members of Parliament is one of the components of the Increasing
Political Participation of Women in Samoa (IPPWS), a joint programme between UN Women and UNDP, in partnership with the
Government of Samoa and the Australian Government.
On the same day, other speakers will be: the CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the CEO of the
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), the CEO of the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Ombudsman.
The activity will take place tomorrow, Thursday 17th of March, at the Faleata Sports Complex, Tuanaimato, starting from
9:00 am. All new Members of Parliament are invited and the event is expected to end around 2:00pm.
ENDS