HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – December 14, 2025 – His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), concluded a series of high-level engagements in Honolulu on December 8-12, 2026, reinforcing national priorities and advancing FSM’s leadership on sustainable development and ocean governance.
At the margins of the visit, President Simina administered the Oath of Office to the newly appointed Consul General at the FSM Consulate Office in Hawai‘i, underscoring FSM’s commitment to effective diplomatic representation and services for its citizens abroad.
President Simina also convened a meeting of the Chief Executive Council with FSM State Governors to align national and state priorities and coordinate engagement with regional and international partners on infrastructure development and investment initiatives.
A central focus of the visit was Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), where President Simina chaired high-level discussions with members of the FSM Congress, state governors, and partners from the Waitt Institute, Micronesian Conservation Trust, and Blue Prosperity Micronesia. The discussions advanced a coordinated national approach to managing FSM’s ocean resources.
“By committing at both the national and state levels, FSM is building a framework that is unified, enforceable, and responsive to the needs of our people,” President Simina said. “Prosperity for our ocean and our people is possible, and the sooner we act, the sooner we can realize these benefits.”
The MSP workshop emphasized collaboration and transparency in managing nearly 3 million square kilometers of FSM’s Exclusive Economic Zone, balancing conservation, economic opportunity, and traditional practices. All four FSM states committed to developing coastal Marine Spatial Planning plans under the Blue Prosperity Micronesia program, with an emphasis on community participation.
Speaking on behalf of the governors, Pohnpei Governor Stevenson A. Joseph highlighted the national significance of the initiative.
“This work represents one of the most important steps our nation is taking to safeguard the health of our ocean, protect national security, and secure sustainable prosperity,” Governor Joseph said. “Our ocean is our national treasure, our identity, our sustenance, our foundation for future economic opportunities.”
Congressman Johnson A. Asher, Chairman of Resources and Development, expressed his support for the role of Marine Spatial Planning in strengthening ocean governance, while emphasizing the importance of inclusive engagement. He noted that “state consultations are critical to increasing awareness and understanding of Marine Spatial Planning,” underscoring that broad public engagement will be essential to the success of any future legislation.
President Simina welcomed the unified commitment of national and state leaders and thanked Congress and development partners for their continued engagement.
On behalf of the Simina–Palik Administration, the President reaffirmed the National Government’s commitment to working closely with FSM states, Congress, traditional leaders, and development partners as work continues toward Marine Spatial Planning legislation. Inclusive consultations, transparency, and shared responsibility will remain central to ensuring ocean governance supports sustainable development and reflects the priorities of the Micronesian people.
