PALIKIR, Pohnpei, August 12, 2024 – The 2024 State and National Leadership Conference (SNLC) commenced today in Pohnpei, with leaders from across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) gathering to address key economic, infrastructure, social, and environmental issues. The SNLC serves as a critical platform for the heads of the 5 governments and presiding officers of each legislative body to gather and shape the nation’s strategic direction on key priorities.
The conference began with welcoming remarks by T.H. Governor Stevenson Joseph where he welcomed everyone to Pohnpei as the hosting state and expressed his hope to engage in “meaningful dialogue – a dialogue based on our dear principles to us as Micronesians” and emphasized the importance of utilizing the SNLC as a “springboard for action.”
H.E. President Wesley W. Simina officially opened the SNLC and highlighted the interlinked importance of social, environmental, and economic development in fostering a resilient and prosperous future for the FSM. He called for collective commitment to inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and economic diversification.
President Simina also emphasized how important it is to the FSM in forging genuine partnerships with development partners who are committed to building local capacity and listening to the voices on the ground. “The Federated States of Micronesia is looking for development partners who understand that true development comes from within our communities,” he stated. “We seek partnerships rooted in mutual respect, dialogue, and a shared vision for a resilient and prosperous future.”
T.H. Governor Alexander Narruhn of Chuuk State, reflected on the Micronesian Expo that was recently held in his home state. “The Expo is no longer just a tourism event,” he remarked, “but a cultural event that has brought out the best in us. It was critical to nation-building in the way we know how—our way, the Federated States of Micronesia way.”
Governor Narruhn also pointed out his uncertainty around matters concerning the amended Compact, shared fishing fees, the centralization of infrastructure projects at the national government as mandated by the recent amending of the law by Congress.
“as a leader, it concerns me to say this and to be uncertain;” he stated. “If I am uncertain, then simply imagine our people, would they be uncertain too? At this SNLC, I hope that all the different presentations from various sectors will ease my uncertainty and will be able to answer my questions of “Where are we now, and where are we heading?” he posed to the audience.
In T.H. Governor Charles Chieng of Yap State’s opening remarks, he noted his gratitude for being back in Pohnpei after over two decades, and stated that he was looking forward to the presentations and discourse over the coming days to raise issues, challenges and and more importantly – potential solutions.
T.H. Governor Tulensa Palik of Kosrae State began by acknowledging the efforts of JEMCO (Joint Economic Management Committee) and stated that while Kosrae state is relieved for the recent disbursement of compact grants, which had been delayed, stated that “delayed funding is one pressing issue we intend to raise in this forum”. Governor Palik emphasized the need for coordination on developing the FSM’s SDP (Strategic Development Plan) and noted his delegation was looking forward to that point in the agenda along with challenges Kosrae is facing in the education sector, ODA (Overseas Development Assistance) timelines and processes as well as issues facing Kosrae’s port, which is one of the busiest ports for fisheries operations in the region.
For this SNLC, civil society also provided opening remarks, which were delivered by Ms. Marstella Jack, the interim Executive Director of FANGO (FSM Alliance of Non-Governmental Organizations). Ms. Jack began by expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to join the SNLC. “Thank you Secretary Akinaga, and President Simina for this opportunity to finally claim our CSO space amongst the government leadership” she stated.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and non-government organizations to complement work and fill gaps. “Nation building depends on the participation of all actors, and recognises the diversity and complementarity of their functions. Civil society is an essential building block of development and national cohesion.” she stated.
The SNLC will continue over the course of this week entailing three sessions on three main thematic areas focused on Economic, Social, Infrastructure and Environmental priorities with deep dive updates and discussions on specific issues under each thematic area. The SNLC will be immediately followed by the 2nd ODA Partners Roundtable exercise. This exercise will facilitate the opportunity for direct dialogue between stakeholders and leaders with development and donor partners.
By the end of the week a Comunique and accompanying Resolutions will be produced to reflect the collective decisions and ways forward as agreed upon by the state and national leaders of our nation.
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