Palikir, Pohnpei — November 7, 2025 — The Honorable Aren B. Palik, Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), led a country delegation to the 14th Meeting of the Conference of Leaders of the Pacific Community (SPC), held on October 17, 2025, in the Kingdom of Tonga. The Conference was chaired by His Royal Highness Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Tonga and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Pacific Community (SPC), founded in 1947 with headquarters in Nouméa, New Caledonia, is the region’s longest-serving scientific and technical organization, with 27 member countries and territories. The FSM has been a full member since 1983, and in 2006 established the SPC Micronesia Regional Office in Pohnpei under the leadership of former Director-General Ms. Lourdes Pangelinan of Guam.
SPC remains the principal scientific and technical organization in the Pacific, supporting development goals across the region. Its multidisciplinary approach addresses complex development challenges, including climate resilience, natural resources, food systems, equity, education and social development, sustainable economies, health, and strengthening institutional effectiveness.
Under the theme “Pasifiki: Rooted in Heritage, Honoring the Past, United for a Resilient Future,” the 14th high-level Conference brought together heads of governments and administrations, ministers, and officials to review SPC’s work, share regional priorities, and set the strategic direction of the organization for the years ahead.
In the spirit of Pacific regionalism and solidarity, Vice President Palik stated, “What makes SPC unique from other regional organizations is its UNIVERSALITY – where every island nation, large or small and at whatever stage of political development, has a place and a voice.” Commending SPC for its strategic establishment of regional offices in Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia, Vice President Palik acknowledged the variety of assistance provided through the SPC Micronesia Regional Office located in Pohnpei and headed by Mr. William Kostka. Among others, these include valuable technical assistance and support in the areas of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Human Rights and Social Development, Pacific People Advancing Change, Enhancing Direct Access to the Green Climate Fund, support to the Health Sector, Sustainable Energy, and assistance toward the development of the FSM Strategic Development Plan.
Notable outcomes of the Conference included the appointment of Dr. Paula Vivili of Tonga as the new Director-General of SPC, and the endorsement for the FSM to host the 15th Conference in Pohnpei in 2027.
As this was his first visit to the Kingdom of Tonga, Vice President Palik paid a courtesy call on the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Taniela Likuohihifo Fusimalohi, as well as a special audience with His Royal Highness Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala. On both occasions, the Vice President reaffirmed the FSM’s continued support of the Pacific Community, highlighting the shared role of FSM and Tonga as hosts of major SPC Regional Offices in their respective subregions. The Vice President also met with outgoing SPC Director-General Stuart Minchin to reflect on SPC’s current operational performance and expressed his appreciation for his successful six-year tenure of service to the Pacific Community and the Pacific region.
Vice President Palik was accompanied by the Honorable Governor of Pohnpei State, Stevenson A. Joseph, Second Lady Adelita Palik, and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
As the FSM prepares to host the next Conference of Leaders in 2027, the Government looks forward to welcoming SPC members to Pohnpei and continuing efforts toward a stronger, more resilient Pacific future.
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