February 21, 2024
The U.S. Embassy in Samoa has announced the inauguration of a significant endeavor aimed at fortifying disaster preparedness and response capabilities within the region. Commencing on Monday, February 19th, 2024, the inaugural subject matter exchange under the State Partnership Program (SPP) between the Nevada National Guard and the Government of Samoa marks a pivotal moment in bilateral cooperation.
Spanning from February 19th to March 1st, the workshop will encompass a diverse range of critical subjects, including disaster management, humanitarian assistance, climate change response, search and rescue operations, law enforcement, and professional development.
The principal aim of this exchange program is to augment the capacity of Samoan personnel in effectively responding to emergencies and disasters. By harnessing the expertise and resources of both entities, the initiative endeavors to bolster community resilience and ensure the safety and security of citizens.
The SPP, which fosters partnerships between a state’s National Guard and a partner country, has played a pivotal role in promoting bilateral cooperation and capacity building across various domains. Through collaborative workshops such as these, the United States and Samoa aspire to exchange knowledge and best practices in disaster response and related fields.
Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Major Dustin Petersen, Director of the Nevada SPP, stated, “We are delighted to commence these workshops under the State Partnership Program with Samoa and collaborate to enhance our collective disaster response capabilities, law enforcement, and emergency medical services.”
The subject matter exchange will delve into a wide array of topics, including emergency response strategies, coordination of disaster relief efforts, search and rescue operations, and strengthening law enforcement capacities. Participants from Samoa represent key government agencies such as the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Noriko Horiuchi underscored the significance of the partnership, stating, “This subject matter exchange under the State Partnership Program will be a fruitful collaboration with Samoa, and we believe that these workshops will have a lasting impact on the country’s ability to respond to and recover from disasters.”
The initiative underscores the commitment of both the United States and Samoa to collaborating in addressing shared challenges and fostering a more resilient future. Through mutual cooperation and knowledge sharing, the partners aim to enhance their capabilities in disaster preparedness and response, ultimately contributing to the safety and well-being of their respective populations.