Palikir, Federated States of Micronesia — November 23, 2025 – The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) proudly co-hosted the 2025 LDC/SIDS Trust Fund Regional Workshop for the Pacific, held from November 17–20, 2025, at the KAMORALE National Convention Center in Palikir.
The opening ceremony featured distinguished leaders and representatives, including:
• H.E. Wesley W. Simina, President of the FSM
• H.E. Jurg Lauber, President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
• Ms. Heike Alefsen, Regional Representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for the Pacific
• Ms. Hui Lu, Secretary of the Human Rights Council
• Mr. Patterson Shed, Chief of Staff of the Pohnpei State Government
This occasion marks the first time the LDC/SIDS Trust Fund Workshop has been held in the Micronesian region, underscoring FSM’s vital role in advancing regional development and human rights capacity building.
The workshop convened participants from more than 71 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) united in assessing the value of the Trust Fund’s activities in training and capacity building, and in identifying achievements and areas for improvement.
His Excellency, President Simina, expressed his honor in hosting the event and highlighted the alignment of the workshop’s principles with FSM’s constitutional commitments to human rights and dignity for all citizens.
“FSM is honored to co-host this year’s LDC/SIDS Trust Fund Workshop, the first ever in the Micronesian Region, particularly in FSM…This opportunity is particularly important to us small island countries in the Pacific Region, as the principles guiding this workshop align fundamentally with the FSM Constitution, which that guarantees and protects human rights and dignity for all citizens.” President Simina said.
President Simina concluded “Climate change is intrinsically linked to all the challenges in our public health, food and water security, migration, peace, and security. In my view, it is a moral issue and an issue of social justice, human rights, and fundamental ethics. We have a profound responsibility as leaders to lead by doing something to address the challenges facing all of us.”
The workshop served as a vital platform for dialogue and regional collaboration on shared challenges related to climate change, sustainable development, and human rights. FSM’s active engagement in international forums such as the United Nations Human Rights Council further reaffirms its commitment to advancing human rights, sustainable development goals, and global cooperation.
The successful hosting of this workshop reinforces FSM’s dedication to fostering regional partnerships and represents a milestone in elevating Pacific voices and priorities on the global stage.
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