Samoa is an independent state however the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau remain affiliated to New Zealand through historical colonial ties. Tokelau remains a Trust Territory of New Zealand after two referendums (2006 and 2007) defeated the proposed Treaty of Free Association with New Zealand. UNDP supports Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau to strengthen their democratic governing institutions so they can promote and protect the rights of all citizens, ensure accountability and transparency at all levels of government, and foster more inclusive economic and social development. Ultimately all these efforts aim to support governments in the region to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
Specific project support by UNDP are underway across the region in the following areas: information and communications technology for development; supporting better aid coordination; developing cutting edge knowledge products that inform policy makers; ensuring that women’s rights and concerns are addresses across all policy and development efforts; support nation-building in Tokelau as it moves to full independence; and strengthening urban governance as regional populations move from their traditional villages to access better opportunities in growing cities
Millennium Development Goal Target:
MDG1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
MDG3: Promote gender equality and empower women