Apia, SAMOA  — Leaders around the world, who are in Samoa attending the United Nations third Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S) conference were given a first hand view of the Samoan culture through a fast paced slap (fa’a taupati) dance and fire knife siva during the opening ceremony which was well attended by thousands of delegates at Tuana’imato.

Opening dance numbers were performed by the Catholic schools, Don Bosco, St. Mary's Savalalo and Marist Brothers Mulivai, and the opening prayer was conducted by Archbishop Alapati Mataeliga.

Samoa’s Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi who is presiding over the SIDS conference welcomed the world leaders on behalf of the Head of State, his highness, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, the people and the government of Samoa.

He pointed out that “as we speak, the world in many parts is in turmoil and in the grip of violence, deadly disease or social unrest. The threats these represent to the peace and stability of our world and communities cannot be underestimated and international focus has understandably and correctly turned to the consequential imperative demand for action that has resulted. Yet even with major attention and energy directed to these crisis spots around the world, the United Nations and its membership has nevertheless found time to address the challenges facing SIDS.

“This is profoundly reflected in the full and wide involvement of the UN membership with the successful negotiations and lead up preparatory work for the conference,” he said, adding that many delegations have also traveled thousands of miles to come to Apia.

“I thank you again for your unwavering support for SIDS and for honoring Samoa, and our Pacific region with your participation in this conference. It is an immense honor for Samoa to host the conference, “but is a privilege that would not have been possible without the understanding, the support, and ultimately the agreement to the UN general assembly under the Presidency of… his excellency John Ash.

“Last but not the least, appreciation to the Pacific region for agreement in the first place to advance Samoa’s name for consideration by the UN. He expressed his gratitude to the leadership for the Pacific family of leaders for the privilege to have Samoa host on behalf of the region.

Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga had originally planned to head the delegation from the American Samoa Government, however he was unable to attend and here in Samoa on his behalf are Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale, Chief of Staff, Fiu Johnny Saelua, Budget Director, Catherine Saelua, DOC Director, Keniseli Lafaele and members of the governor’s office staff.

No reason was given for his absence from the conference.