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American Samoa Government - PR001-09112025
Posted: Sepember 11, 2025
Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Hosts the Amerika Samoa’s 4th Annual Disaster Resilience Summit, “Resilience by Design”
The Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum (ODAPM) proudly convened the 4th Annual Disaster Resilience Summit from September 9 to September 11 at the Methodist Church Hall in Ottoville, bringing together a dynamic coalition of partners committed to safeguarding American Samoa against natural and human-made hazards. This year’s theme, Resilience by Design, emphasized a strategic, community-driven approach to building a safer and more adaptive territory.
Held over three days, the summit featured events designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and preparedness. Participants included representatives from local government departments and agencies, federal partners, regional experts, and disaster response teams from across the Pacific. The summit served as a vital platform for exchanging best practices, forging new partnerships, and reaffirming resilience as a proactive design principle.
The summit commenced with a formal opening ceremony, followed by a series of keynote addresses delivered by distinguished experts and professionals in the fields of disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, and emergency management. Speakers shared insights on emerging threats, innovative mitigation strategies, and the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into modern resilience frameworks. Technical workshops and scenario-based planning exercises allowed participants to engage in hands-on learning and interagency coordination.
Day two spotlighted community engagement, with a special focus on youth involvement. Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula, addressed the summit, emphasizing the critical role of leadership and unity in building long-term resilience. His remarks reinforced the importance of refining and coordinating the Strategic Hazard Mitigation Plan in partnership with the community.
The day also featured an interactive exhibition hall where various government departments, private sector organizations, and non-profit agencies hosted engaging booths tailored for high school students. Students explored career pathways, learned about emergency response tools, and participated in hands-on demonstrations that highlighted the intersection of technology, sustainability, and disaster readiness.
The final day of the summit, held today, carried a solemn tone of remembrance and reflection. Lieutenant Governor Pulumataala delivered closing remarks, igniting a moment of silence in honor of the lives lost during the September 11 attacks. His message resonated deeply with the youth in attendance, encouraging them to be stewards of American Samoa’s environment and to take pride in protecting the land and communities they call home.
“As we remember the past, we must also look forward,” Pulumataala stated. “Our students are the future of American Samoa. Let us empower them to lead with knowledge, compassion, and a commitment to resilience.”
As climate change and evolving threats continue to challenge island communities, American Samoa remains steadfast in its pursuit of innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. The summit concluded with a renewed pledge to strengthen regional cooperation and invest in the tools, training, and infrastructure necessary to protect lives and livelihoods across the territory.
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