Your Excellency, William Robinson
Chairman and Members of the Public Service Commission
Vice Chancellor of the National University of Samoa
Ladies & Gentlemen

Talofa With a Smile!
I am pleased to join you this evening to formally launch our partnership
with the Government of Australia on the Postgraduate Certificate in
Executive Leadership, here at the National University of Samoa. This
important undertaking, as most of you will know by now, has been made
possible with the financial and technical support of the DFAT-Tautai
Programme and is facilitated by the Public Service Commission as part of
its initiatives on Leadership Development.
Leadership, and executive leadership in this case, is undeniably a critical
element in our country’s governance, and in shaping our future. I am
encouraged to see a large cohort of promising and upcoming leaders like
yourselves taking proactive steps to enhance your skills and knowledge in
this area.

This Postgraduate Certificate in Executive Leadership is only one of many
programs planned by our Government through the Public Service
Commission and the Public Administration Sector, to strengthen existing
leadership capabilities of current Senior Executives and emerging leaders
in the service and across our country. Many of our government’s
aspirations as set out in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa,
depend almost entirely on the capacity of the workforce. So, it is our
intention for programs such as these to empower and equip our people
to deliver on priorities as set out for each Agency, Sectors and
Organisations, as well as any other requirements and obligations either at
the regional or international level.
The first cohort under this partnership commenced in February 2024. The
50 awards were allocated to the Government Ministries and Public Bodies
with 10 slots afforded to the Chamber of Commerce and SUNGO. The
total cost of the support from the DFAT-Tautai Programme is $120,000
Samoan Tala.
As leaders, you will be called upon to navigate complex challenges, inspire
and empower others, and make difficult decisions that will impact the lives
of many. But I have every confidence that you will rise to these
challenges, and that your time at the National University of Samoa will
provide a strong foundation for your future success. I encourage you to
embrace and make the most of these opportunities, to learn from one
another, and to be open to new ideas to challenge your own assumptions.
I therefore acknowledge and thank once again the Government of
Australia through the Tautai Facility for their on-going support and
extensive efforts in partnership with the Public Service Commission and
our National University, to ensure this program takes place in Samoa.

In closing, I look forward to witnessing the impact that you will make
immediately following the completion of this Program, not only on your
Ministries and Organisations where you currently serve, but also your
communities and our country.
Thank You.