A/RES/57/137 organizations of the United Nations system, in particular the United Nations Development Programme and the World Health Organization, Recalling the dispatch in 1994 of a United Nations visiting mission to Tokelau, Welcoming the dispatch in August 2002 of a United Nations Mission to Tokelau, at the invitation of the Government of New Zealand and the representatives of Tokelau, Having examined the report of the United Nations Mission to Tokelau, 2002, 2 Noting that, as a small island Territory, Tokelau exemplifies the situation of most remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories, Noting also that, as a case study pointing to successful cooperation for decolonization, Tokelau has wider significance for the United Nations as it seeks to complete its work in decolonization, 1. Notes that Tokelau remains firmly committed to the development of selfgovernment and to an act of self-determination that would result in Tokelau assuming a status in accordance with the options on future status for Non-SelfGoverning Territories contained in principle VI of the annex to General Assembly resolution 1541 (XV) of 15 December 1960; 2. Also notes the desire of Tokelau to move at its own pace towards an act of self-determination; 3. Further notes the inauguration in 1999 of a national Government based on village elections by universal adult suffrage; 4. Acknowledges Tokelau’s goal to return authority to its traditional leadership, and its wish to provide that leadership with the necessary support to carry out its functions in the contemporary world; 5. Also acknowledges the progress made towards that goal under the Modern House of Tokelau project, and Tokelau’s view that that project, in its governance and economic development dimensions, is seen by its people as the means to achieving their act of self-determination; 6. Further acknowledges Tokelau’s initiative in devising a strategic economic development plan for the period 2002–2004 to advance its capacity for self-government; 7. Notes that, consistent with the expressed desires of past traditional leaders and the principles of the Modern House of Tokelau, Tokelau has established a local public service employer which enabled the New Zealand State Services Commissioner to withdraw from his role as employer of the Tokelau Public Service as from 30 June 2001; 8. Welcomes the initiation of the dialogue with the administering Power and the Territory in June 2001 with a view to the development of a programme of work for Tokelau in accordance with General Assembly resolution 55/147 of 8 December 2000; 9. Acknowledges the continuing support which New Zealand has committed to the Modern House of Tokelau project in 2002–2003, and the cooperation of the United Nations Development Programme in aligning its programmes under the project; _______________ 2 2 A/AC.109/2002/31.