HONOLULU, Hawai’i — February 21, 2026 — His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), participated in the Strategic Planning Meeting of the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) held at the Bishop Museum ahead of the Pacific Agenda Summit. President Simina attended the meeting in his capacity as current Chairman of the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL) and emphasized the pressing need to finalize the Governance and Arrangements Manual to strengthen PICL’s institutional effectiveness.
In his remarks, President Simina underscored the continued importance of PICL as a vital platform for engagement between Pacific Island nations and the United States, while acknowledging the longstanding support of the East-West Center and PIDP in facilitating regional cooperation.
“PICL continues to play an important role in facilitating meaningful dialogue between the Pacific region and the United States,” President Simina said. “As Chair, I commend the East-West Center and thank PIDP for its past and ongoing efforts in supporting the work of Pacific leaders and advancing our shared priorities.”
President Simina underscored that developing a clear Governance and Arrangements Manual remains a pending priority decision of PICL Leaders and is essential to ensuring the effective operation, continuity, and long-term sustainability of the Conference and its Secretariat.
President Simina recalled that at the 2022 PICL convening, Leaders tasked PIDP with reviewing its policies and procedures, identifying gaps, and codifying governance arrangements, including leadership terms, convening schedules, membership matters, and operational scope. He emphasized that completing this work is a necessary foundation for strengthening PICL’s institutional framework and enabling it to respond effectively to emerging regional priorities.
The President welcomed recent steps taken to strengthen PIDP’s leadership, including the appointment of Interim Director Henry Puna and Deputy Director Makanani Sala, and expressed confidence that these developments will help advance the completion of the Governance and Arrangements Manual and ensure a fully functional Secretariat for PICL.
Looking ahead, President Simina encouraged PIDP to provide an update to Leaders on progress toward advancing the Governance and Arrangements Manual at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, to be hosted by Palau later this year.
“As we move forward, it is essential that PIDP is fully functional and equipped with the governance structures, policies, and institutional arrangements necessary to effectively support PICL,” President Simina stated. “This includes reviewing and updating policies, strengthening institutional arrangements, and ensuring clarity in leadership roles, meeting structures, and operational procedures.”
President Simina reaffirmed FSM’s commitment, as PICL Chair, to ensuring that the Conference continues to serve as a strategic forum for advancing economic security, strengthening regional partnerships, and delivering meaningful outcomes for Pacific Island nations.
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