PALIKIR, Pohnpei – November 10, 2025 – The Office of the President announces the successful conclusion of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Cybersecurity Symposium 2025, held in Chuuk from October 27 to 31. Under the theme “Advancing National Cybersecurity: From Strategy to Implementation,” the event marked a pivotal, whole-of-nation effort to transform the national cybersecurity strategy into tangible action.
The symposium convened senior government leaders from the national and state levels, cybersecurity and IT professionals, and key international partners. This collaborative gathering underscored the nation’s unwavering commitment to building a secure and resilient digital future for all citizens.
Co-organized by the FSM Department of Justice (DOJ) and Norway Registers Development (NRD) Cyber Security, with sponsorship from the Embassy of Lithuania to Japan, the symposium exemplified the power of international cooperation. The expertise and support from global partners are invaluable as the nation navigates the complex cybersecurity landscape and strengthens its sovereign capabilities.
In his opening remarks, Vice President Palik set a decisive tone for the week, articulating the core of the national mission. “Cybersecurity is not only a technical issue alone,” the Vice President stated. “Rather, it plays a crucial role in safeguarding our national security. Absolutely, it is a matter of national security, plain and simple.”
This statement encapsulates the FSM Government’s position and serves as the guiding principle for ongoing efforts. The symposium agenda was structured to address the multifaceted challenges, beginning with leadership and strategic governance, followed by intensive technical capacity-building for IT professionals, and concluding with a focus on community building and partnership.
Key outcomes from the symposium include:
• Development of an actionable roadmap to advance the FSM National Cybersecurity Strategy, focusing on establishing a national Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT), policy reforms, and critical infrastructure protection.
• A reinforced and urgent call for the FSM Congress to expedite the passage of the Cybersecurity Bill, the Cybercrime Bill, and the Personal Data Protection Bill. Establishing this legal framework is essential for empowering national agencies, protecting citizens, and enabling the effective implementation of the national strategy.
• Enhanced technical skills of the national workforce in incident response, CSIRT and Security Operations Center (SOC) operations, and critical infrastructure protection.
• Strengthened partnerships with international donors and regional organizations, ensuring the FSM remains a proactive and collaborative member of the global cybersecurity community.
NEXT STEPS:
1. Advance Legislative Action: The Administration looks forward to continued collaboration with the FSM Congress to:
• Hold timely public hearings on the national security bills.
• Ensure the passage of these critical bills to establish a robust legal framework.
2. Finalize and Enforce the National Information Framework: The Executive Branch, through the appropriate departments and agencies, will:
• Finalize the proposed Four-Tier Information Classification Scheme.
• Implement and operationalize the scheme across government agencies.
3. Execute the National Security Mandate: As the lead agency for national security, the Department of Justice, through its Cyber Security and Intelligence Bureau, will:
• Activate and operationalize the FSM Computer Emergency Response Team (FSM-CERT).
• Prioritize this action pursuant to the existing Executive Order.
Protecting the FSM’s national security is a collective responsibility. The Office of the President encourages continued collaboration among all branches of government to ensure these measures are advanced with care and effectiveness.
The FSM Government extends its deepest gratitude to the Chuuk State Government for hosting this critical event, to the co-organizers, and to all participants whose dedication is essential to the nation’s security. The 2025 Symposium marks not an end, but a significant step forward in our ongoing, collective journey to secure the FSM in the digital age.
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