The Government of Samoa proudly celebrates the historic election of Mataafa Faatino Utumapu to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee), becoming the first Samoan ever elected to this prestigious international body.
The election took place during the 19th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19) at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Samoa secured an outstanding 138 votes, placing second among the successful candidates and reflecting the confidence of the international community in Samoa’s leadership and commitment to disability rights, inclusion and human dignity.
The successful campaign follows extensive engagement over recent months led by our New York Mission, including strategic discussions held during the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York, where Mataafa met with the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, Samoa’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and CEO MWCSD to discuss Samoa’s nomination and candidacy.
Leading Samoa’s delegation in New York, Hon. Moefa’auouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai, Minister for Women, Community and Social Development, welcomed the election result as a defining moment for Samoa and the Pacific disability movement.
“This is a proud day for Samoa and a proud day for the Pacific. Mataafa’s election demonstrates that the voices, experiences and leadership of persons with disabilities from Small Island Developing States matter on the global stage. Her success reflects Samoa’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Mataafa Faatino Utumapu brings an exceptional record of leadership and advocacy to the Committee. She was recently elected as Secretary of the International Disability Alliance (IDA), the leading global alliance representing more than one billion persons with disabilities worldwide. She also serves as Chair of the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF), where she has championed disability-inclusive development, human rights, gender equality and the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities across the Pacific region.
Her election represents not only recognition of her personal achievements but also acknowledgement of the collective efforts of persons with disabilities, their families, organisations, advocates and partners throughout Samoa and the Pacific who have worked tirelessly to advance inclusion and equality.
The Government of Samoa also extends its sincere congratulations to Palau, whose candidate was likewise elected, further strengthening Pacific representation and leadership within international human rights mechanisms.
Special acknowledgement is extended to Dr. Fatumanava Pa’o Luteru and the dedicated team at Samoa’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, whose steadfast support, strategic engagement, and tireless advocacy were instrumental throughout this successful campaign. Their commitment ensured Samoa’s voice was heard, our relationships strengthened, and our candidacy effectively advanced on the international stage.
This historic achievement is a testament to Samoa’s growing leadership in advancing disability inclusion, human rights and social development. It reinforces the country’s commitment to implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensuring that the voices of Pacific peoples contribute to shaping global policy and action.
As Samoa celebrates this milestone, it also celebrates a future where persons with disabilities are recognised not only as beneficiaries of development but as leaders, decision-makers and agents of change.
“Today, Samoa’s voice joins the world not from the margins, but at the centre of global decision-making. Mataafa’s election is a victory for inclusion, a victory for the Pacific, and a reminder that leadership knows no boundaries when opportunity is made accessible to all.”
Manuia tele le fa’amoemoe. Manuia Samoa. Manuia le Pasefika.
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