Official Opening Session Ceremony for Capacity Development and Consultation Workshop on a Samoa National Data Governance Framework co-organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) of the Government of Samoa with the support of USAID Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership.
On the 8-9 May 2024 – More than 60 representatives from Samoa and experts from around the world will gather in Apia on 8 to 9 May 2024 to take part in a Consultation and Capacity Development Workshop on a National Data Governance Framework in Samoa. The representatives will primarily be from Samoa Government offices and agencies, but joined by others from church groups, civil society, the private sector, NGOs, international organizations, and international governments. This Workshop will leverage the expertise and experiences of these participants, to share best practices and challenges in data governance – and to put their minds together to think about how to move forward in Samoa.
In today’s digital age, data has become the lifeblood of our society, driving innovation, shaping economies, and transforming industries. Honorable Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo, Minister for Communications and IT, Samoa. As we embark on this workshop on Data Governance, the Government of Samoa, recognize the importance of data as a strategic asset that must be managed and protected with the utmost care and responsibility.
With strong foundations in digital governance, Samoa is well-placed to move forward in further developing it strategies for data governance and increased efficiencies in public services.
“Data is an indispensable part of e-government…Indeed, data are integral to every sector and function of government. Many institutions would find it difficult, if not impossible, to function effectively without data”, said Mr. Juwang Zhu, Director of UN DESA’s Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government, “A national data governance framework is therefore critical.”
With the support of the USAID Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership. H.E Noriko Horiuchi, US Ambassador to Samoa said. “Digital data governance improves government responsiveness by predicting and addressing stakeholder needs from individuals, the private sector, and civil society.”
About the Workshop
The workshop is co-organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) of the Government of Samoa with the support of USAID Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership.
It is being undertaken as part of the activities with Samoa, in a project run by UN DESA, supported by the UN Peace and Development Fund 2030 Agenda Sub-fund, entitled “Developing institutional capacities for digital data management and cooperation to advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals”, to support developing countries to assess key data management and governance challenges and strengthen government officials’ and stakeholders’ knowledge of sound and secure data management. This project seeks to address existing challenges and gaps in digital data management and cooperation, focusing on enhancing the institutional capacities of countries to utilize, manage and govern data in a comprehensive, objective and evidence-based manner.
• Lefaoalii Unutoa Auelua-Fonoti Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Communications, and Information Technology of Samoa: u.auelua-fonoti@mcit.gov.ws
• Leaso Ronnie Aiolupotea Deputy Chief Executive Officer/ Chief Cybersecurity Officer, Ministry of Communications, and Information Technology of Samoa : r.aiolupotea@mcit.gov.ws
• Wai Min Kwok, Senior Governance and Public Administration Officer, Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs: kwok@un.org
USAID Digital Connectivity Cybersecurity Partnership, USTDA and UNDESA meet with Minister Communications and IT Samoa, Honorable Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo to discuss ways to work together to promote Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity and Data Governance.
This morning, the Minister of Communications and IT in Samoa, Honorable Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo met with Ms. Atsuko Okuda, the Asia Pacific Regional Director of ITU. They discussed future plans for ITU and the Government moving forward.
And that’s a wrap for Day 4 of our CHOGM Training!
What an incredible journey it has been, filled with valuable insights, collaborative learning, and strengthening our cybersecurity defenses. Our team’s dedication and determination have been truly remarkable.
As we conclude this chapter of our training, a huge thank you to everyone involved for their hard work and commitment!
The dedication and collaboration within our team are truly inspiring with guidance from CERT NZ and SamCERT. Together, we’re ensuring that we’re ready to tackle any cybersecurity threats heads on.
With each passing session, we’re improving our skills and strengthening our defenses in preparation for CHOGM. The energy and enthusiasm in the room are seen as we work together to ensure a safe and secure event.
We were thrilled to kick off our CHOGM Training with the esteemed CERT NZ, collaborating alongside SamCERT, a division under MCIT. They’re leading the way in providing training for our IT and CERT Team, gearing up for CHOGM preparations.
Each day, we’ve gathered at least 10 IT experts in the room, diving deep into enriching sessions and engaging group presentations. Here’s a look into some of the enlightening sessions and captivating group presentations that have already taken place during our training sessions.
Samoa Mataʻala Roadshow “Capture the Flag (CTF) “ competition
In a thrilling Capture the Flag Competition hosted at Falealili Colleges, six teams of five players each competed in scenarios involving data breach and ransomware attack. The top prizes went to Team 2 from Palalaua College, with Team 4 from Lotofaga and Lepa coming in second, and Team 3 from Falealili College taking third place. Additionally, Team 5 from Falealili received the most improved prize.Retrospect Labs was able to administer the event independently through a remote session using these Scenarios.
Date: May 8th, 2024
Venue: Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, Apia, Samoa
Samoa Mataʻala Roadshow “Capture the Flag (CTF) “ competition
English 
Samoan