Belém, Brazil — November 15, 2025— The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) launched its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 and its first-ever Methane Reduction Roadmap, marking a major step in the nation’s climate ambition and global leadership on short-lived climate pollutants. The announcement was made during the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UNFCCC, hosted in Belém, Brazil.

A highlight of the event was a formal handover ceremony during which the Pacific Community (SPC) officially presented the newly published NDC 3.0 to Head of Delegation, Madam Secretary Elina Akinaga of the FSM Department of Resource and Development. The ceremony recognized years of close collaboration between FSM and SPC and symbolized the collective effort of national agencies, regional partners, civil society, and communities across Micronesia in shaping the country’s most ambitious climate commitment to date.

Serving as FSM’s NDC Champion, Pohnpei State Governor, the Honorable Stevenson A. Joseph opened the launch by emphasizing that small island developing states like the FSM are no longer simply on the frontlines of climate change- but “in the midst of the battle”. He stressed that bolder and more urgent action, reflected in NDC 3.0 is essential to protect communities and secure a sustainable future.

Building on its long-standing leadership in climate advocacy and its pioneering role in championing the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, FSM’s NDC 3.0 reflects the nation’s commitment to align with the 1.5°C temperature limit, accelerate action on methane and HFCs, strengthen adaptation measures, and advance a resilient and sustainable future for all Micronesians.

The updated NDC outlines bold measures to accelerate mitigation, reinforce adaptation, and build resilience across all four states of the federation.

Key elements of NDC 3.0 include:

Enhanced mitigation targets supported by sector-specific pathways for energy, waste, transport, and refrigerant management.

Stronger adaptation efforts focused on coastal protection, water security, food systems resilience, and disaster-risk reduction.

A whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, emphasizing community engagement, traditional knowledge, and partnerships with civil society and youth.

Integration of loss and damage considerations into long-term planning and development strategies.

Launch of the FSM Methane Reduction Roadmap

FSM also unveiled its groundbreaking Methane Reduction Roadmap, outlining a clear and comprehensive pathway to cut methane emissions across priority sectors such as waste, agriculture, and energy. The roadmap supports global efforts under the Global Methane Pledge and emphasizes:

Rapid scale-up of waste management improvements, including organic waste diversion and expanded recycling;

Promotion of climate-smart agriculture practices;

Reduction of methane leakage and improved monitoring in energy systems;

Strengthened capacity building, data systems, and transparency frameworks.

“As a Global Methane Pledge Champion, FSM aligns fully with the collective goal of reducing methane at least 30 percent below 2020 levels by 2030 and our Methane Reduction Roadmap turns that vision into a concrete plan- setting a national reduction target and actions by 2030,” said Governor Joseph.

“The new documents transcend clear policy framework, it embodies our collective resolve to act, innovate and lead,” said Secretary Akinaga.

Despite being among the lowest-emitting countries in the world, FSM remains deeply committed to ambitious climate actions as a moral responsibility to is people and future generations. To fully realize the ambitions set forth in NDC 3.0 and the Methane Reduction Roadmap, there is an urgent need for sustained international support, including climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building. As a small island developing state facing disproportionate climate risks, equitable access to global climate mechanisms remains essential to ensuring its people can survive and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

With the launch of NDC 3.0 and the Methane Reduction Roadmap, the Federated States of Micronesia reaffirms its commitment to global climate leadership and calls on the international community to strengthen partnerships in securing a safer, more resilient future for all.

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