Theme of PLG resonates with Am Samoa’s aspirations to become a member

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In one of the lead-ups to the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum, a series of pre-meetings took place including the 12th Polynesian Leaders Group (PLG) where Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga participated alongside leaders from various Pacific nations including French Polynesia, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu Wallis-and-Futuna and the Cook Islands.

The official theme of the meeting was “Our voices, Our Choices, Our Pacific Way: Promote, Partner, Prosper.”

And this year’s theme resonated with American Samoa's aspirations to become members of the Pacific Island Forum.

“Our voices, choices, and Samoan way of life highlight the unique needs we share with our fellow islanders. It is this shared understanding of our specific challenges that empowers us to move forward together as stewards of our Blue Pacific Continent,” a release from the Governor’s Office stated.

The meeting was chaired by the President of French Polynesia Maohi Nui, Moetai Brotherson where key issues discussed in the meeting were:

(1) Air, Maritime, and Digital Connectivity

(2) Education

(3) Implementation Plan for the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent (4) Ocean, Nuclear Legacy, Climate Change and Environment

(5) International engagement & advocacy

(6) PLG Governance

Leaders confirmed Niue as the In-coming Chair for the 13th PLG Summit in 2024 after Leaders agreed to hold the 13th PLG Summit in Niue next year.

The Pacific Sub-Regional Meetings and the Smaller Island States Leaders Meeting included the Polynesian Leaders Group, Melanesian Spearhead Group, and the Presidential summit all held concurrently at 10 AM in different locations.