Vice-President Aren B. Palik and Delegation Represents FSM at CRGA53 and C13 in New Caledonia

Noumea, New Caledonia – From October 23 – 27 2023, T.H. Vice-President Aren B. Palik of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) led a delegation to participate in the 53rd Committee of Representatives of Government and Administrations (CRGA53) and the 13th Conference of Leaders (C13) of the Pacific Community at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community\’s (SPC) headquarters in Noumea . This significant event, hosted by New Caledonia and the Secretariat, coincided with the launch of the Digital Earth Pacific program. The conference addressed various vital issues impacting the Pacific Community and its member nations. Key topics of discussion included an update on the Secretariat of the Pacific Community\’s (SPC) efforts towards the 2050 Strategy of the Blue Pacific Continent Implementation Plan and the strengthening of SPC through an independent institutional review. Vice President Palik\’s visit also included diplomatic engagements. He met with H.E. Louis Mapou, President of New Caledonia, discussing national political challenges and cooperation opportunities for human capacity-building. Additionally, Vice President Palik met with H.E. Ewen McDonald, Australia’s High Commissioner in Fiji/Special Envoy to the Pacific, to discuss progress in the FSM-Australia cooperation partnership, with particular reference to regional security and climate change. At the conference\’s conclusion, Vice President Palik held discussions with Director-General Stuart Minchin, expressing support for the SPC Micronesia Regional Office in Pohnpei and the timely replacement of its leadership. He also requested a legal review of the Memorandum of Understanding for the FSM National Strategic Development Plan. Director-General Minchin affirmed his intention to visit the Pohnpei office in early 2024. During the 13th Conference of Leaders, Vice President Palik delivered the country statement on behalf of the FSM, congratulating the hosts and expressing support for regional cooperation. Vice President Palik also conveyed thoughts and prayers to the people of Vanuatu affected by cyclone Lola. In his statement, Vice President Palik emphasized the need for more efficient utilization of SPC’s sub-regional offices in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. He reiterated FSM\’s commitment to the SPC Regional Office, extending gratitude to Director-General Stuart Minchin and acknowledging the outgoing head of the SPC Micronesia Regional Office, Ms. Lara Studzinski. The Vice President\’s delegation included Ambassador Carson K. Sigrah, Secretary Elina P. Akinaga of the Department of Resources and Development, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs Kenmore Salvador, and Special Assistant to the Vice President Ari Skilling. More info and related documents on the CRGA, C13 and Digital Earth Pacific can be found at: https://www.spc.int/crga