New York, July 2025 – On July 22, 2025, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) reaffirmed its national commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by presenting its Second Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York.
The presentation was delivered by The Honorable Elina P. Akinaga, Secretary of the Department of Resources & Development, on behalf of His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Titled “Navigating Our Future: Balancing Traditional Values and Sustainable Development,” the 2025 VNR outlines FSM’s progress, challenges, and acceleration strategies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report highlights how FSM is integrating cultural identity, community resilience, and innovation into its national development agenda, while confronting the unique vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
“This report is more than a development update—it is a reaffirmation of our nation’s values, sovereignty, and resolve to leave no one behind,” Secretary Akinaga said during her remarks. “We are not merely adapting to global change—we are shaping our own future with courage, clarity, and unity.”
Key highlights from the 2025 VNR include:
– Protection of over 30% of FSM’s marine ecosystems and 20% of terrestrial areas through formal conservation.
– Doubling of renewable energy capacity, improving access to clean energy in remote islands.
– Maintenance of high immunization and maternal health coverage, despite service delivery challenges in outer islands.
– Advancements in digital transformation, including broadband expansion and e-learning in remote schools.
– Gender milestones, including the election of women in FSM Congress and the rollout of gender-responsive policies in all states.
The report also identifies critical development gaps—particularly for youth, persons with disabilities, and outer island communities—as revealed by FSM’s national Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) analysis conducted with support from ESCAP and the UN system.
In response, FSM has outlined six national acceleration priorities: climate resilience, economic self-reliance, human capital development, infrastructure expansion, cultural preservation, and institutional strengthening.
The presentation emphasized the importance of equitable access to climate finance, development partnerships grounded in respect for national sovereignty, and deeper investment in data and service delivery systems.
“We are a small nation, but a vast ocean state with a clear vision. We invite the global community to walk with us—side by side—as we chart a future defined by inclusion, sustainability, and traditional wisdom,” Secretary Akinaga concluded.
FSM’s VNR process was nationally led and grounded in broad consultations with state governments, civil society, youth groups, and development partners. It reflects the FSM’s holistic and culturally grounded approach to sustainable development.
The full 2025 VNR report is available at [https://img1.wsimg.com/…/10076_UN_FSM_VNR_2025_V15_LR.pdf].
For more information, contact:
FSM Department of Resources & Development
Email: fsmrd@rd.gov.fm | Tel: +691-320-5133
Website: www.rd.gov.fm
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