Samoa Launches New National Development Strategy with Culture, Education and Resilience at its Core

Importantly, the framework commits to strengthening Samoa's engagement with UNESCO Culture Conventions and regional and international cultural cooperation mechanisms, recognizing culture's contribution across a range of sustainable development priorities.

Under its economic development objectives, the framework highlights the role of cultural tourism, community-based tourism and the sustainable use of cultural resources in supporting livelihoods, employment creation and economic diversification. At the same time, it acknowledges the growing threats that climate change and disasters pose to cultural heritage and traditional knowledge systems, underscoring the importance of integrating heritage safeguarding into broader resilience and adaptation efforts.

This cross-sectoral approach reflects a growing recognition that culture is not only a sector in its own right, but also a driver and enabler of sustainable development. By linking culture with education, economic development, tourism, environmental sustainability and resilience, Samoa's new development pathway aligns closely with international commitments reaffirmed through the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT) and the Pacific Regional Culture Strategy.