PALIKIR, Pohnpei — December 10, 2024 – His Excellency President Wesley W. Simina convened the 14th State and National Leadership Conference (SNLC) in Palikir, Pohnpei, bringing together leaders from across the Federated States of Micronesia to review and endorse the nation’s second iteration of the Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2024–2043 and the accompanying Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) 2025–2034.
In his opening remarks, President Simina set the tone for the conference by emphasizing the importance of unity, reflection, and forward-thinking as the FSM charts its course for the next 20 years. He described the SDP as a “comprehensive framework designed to build a unified, resilient, and prosperous FSM,” and noted that both the SDP and IDP represent the culmination of months of consultations with stakeholders across government, the private sector, and civil society.
The President reminded fellow leaders of their collective responsibility; “Coordination, collaboration, and cooperation are key. Our ability to work together, share knowledge, and support each other will determine how successful we meet our collective goals. I call on governments at all levels, the private sector, and civil society to support an effective implementation of the SDP.”
The SDP outlines nine thematic areas, calling for bold and strategic actions to achieve the FSM’s vision of sustainable development and a high quality of life by 2043. Meanwhile, the IDP underscores the critical role of public infrastructure in ensuring affordable energy, safe drinking water, quality health care, and reliable services that support socio-economic development throughout the nation.
President Simina emphasized the urgency of this leadership gathering, as both plans are set to be submitted to the FSM Congress for their consideration and endorsement during the upcoming regular session in January 2025. Meeting this timeline is a critical step to ensure the plans are finalized and submitted by the March 2025 deadline.
The President closed his remarks by expressing gratitude to the stakeholders, working groups, coordination teams, and development partners who contributed to these vital plans, urging all to align their efforts to support a “Unified and Prosperous FSM.”
The 14th SNLC will be taking place over the course of the next two days, with key outcomes to be shared in the form of a Communiqué and accompanying resolutions.
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