23 Apr 2020

UN and Japan help Samoa politicians work remotely

12:01 pm on 23 April 2020

The United Nations Development Programme and Japan have helped Samoa's politicians work remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Samoa Legislative Assembly had adopted practices to ensure it operated online.

Samoa Parliament

Samoa Parliament Photo: RNZ Pacific

The initiative allowed remote working by MPs and parliamentary staff, including the holding of virtual parliamentary committee meetings.

It is part of the UNDP's Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific Island Countries project, funded by Japan.

The Samoa resident for the UNDP, Jorn Sorensen, said the programme recognised the role of Parliament in a time of crisis was more vital than ever to pass and review emergency laws, allocate and scrutinise the use of public resources as well as oversee government action.

Samoa was given over $US105,000 for related ICT equipment.