Nuku’alofa, Tonga — The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), led by President H.E. Wesley W. Simina actively participated in the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, from 26 to 28 August 2024. The Forum brought together Heads of State and Government from across the Pacific region under the theme “Transformative and Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now.” The Forum Leaders’ Retreat took place on Vava’u Island on 29 August 2024, where leaders consulted on important topics and they reaffirmed their strong commitment to regional cooperation, resilience, and sustainable development.
FSM Convenes Special Micronesia Presidents Summit
As the Chair of the Micronesia Presidents Summit (MPS), President Simina convened a special Micronesian Presidents’ Summit (MPS), culminating in the adoption of an MPS Communiqué that outlines key priorities and actions for the sub-region. This Communiqué reflects the commitment of the Micronesian leaders to continue collaboration on shared concerns for the Micronesian region, including implementation of the Suva Agreement.
FSM Assumes Chairmanship of SIS
During the Forum, President Simina assumed the Chairmanship of the Smaller Island States (SIS) grouping, comprised of Cook Islands, FSM, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau and Tuvalu, where he led the SIS meeting that resulted in the collective efforts of SIS to enhance and elevate SIS engagement among the broader Forum structure.
In his plenary statement President Simina stated, “The SIS Regional Strategy, the SIS desktop review, and the ongoing evaluation of the Regional Architecture highlight the necessity of prioritizing SIS needs in shaping our regional policy agenda. By fostering collaboration among SIS members and advocating for our priorities on key platforms, we can protect our most vulnerable populations and promote sustainability within the Pacific Islands Forum framework. This, in turn, will reinforce the vital role of SIS in advancing stability and prosperity throughout our region.”
The need to strengthen and elevate SIS across the regional architecture went on to be endorsed by the Forum family as reflected in the Communique, marking a crucial step in responding to the unique needs and challenges faced by SIS members.
FSM Introduces Bridge to Busan Declaration
In addition to President Simina’s role as Chair of the SIS and MPS, President Simina spearheaded efforts to garner support for the Bridge to Busan Declaration, an initiative for countries and stakeholders of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
“The FSM seeks the support of all Pacific Island Forum members to support and endorse the Bridge to Busan: Declaration on Primary Plastic Polymers – a crucial step in controlling plastic production at its source. Without addressing the unsustainable production of primary plastic polymers, neither the global goal of ending plastic pollution by 2040 nor limiting the average temperature rise to less than 1.5°C can be achieved.” he stated.
The declaration went on to receive support and was endorsed by Forum leaders, marking a significant step towards a unified regional response to the growing threat of plastic waste in our oceans.
US and Japan Governments Announce Support for Cleaning up Shipwreck Oil in Chuuk
Furthermore, after ongoing engagement by the FSM in partnership with Chuuk State, with both Japan and the United States regarding the issue of oil leaks from World War II shipwrecks in Chuuk Lagoon, a positive development emerged during the meeting with Forum Dialogue Partners. US State Department Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell announced a joint statement indicating support for Japan’s efforts to safely clean up and remove oil from the Chuuk Lagoon shipwrecks. This joint initiative underscores the collaborative approach taken by the FSM with Chuuk state, Japan, and the United States to address this environmental concern.
Dialogue with the UNSG
During the high-level dialogue with the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, President Simina made an intervention on the topic of Resilient Infrastructure and highlighted the unique opportunities presented by sub-regionalism in the Pacific, particularly for advancing development sectors such as marine and air transport infrastructure, market and trade access, and bulk purchasing of essential goods. Given the geographical considerations and shared interests among Pacific sub-regions, he called for enhanced support for resilient infrastructure, especially as the region works to establish a Forum sub-regional office in Kiribati, the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner in Palau, and strengthen infrastructure for other sub-regional groupings.
In this regard President Simina underscored the importance of strengthening the United Nations’ presence in Micronesia and successfully sought the support of UN Secretary General Guterres through the operationalization of the UN Multi-Country Office in Pohnpei and the planned establishment of the “One UN-Micronesia House.” This proposed carbon-neutral office complex in Pohnpei will serve as a centralized location for all UN entities, providing the necessary infrastructure to accommodate additional UN representation in the region.
Acknowledging the escalating climate extremes facing the Pacific, President Simina stressed the urgent need to prioritize the development of resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding severe weather conditions and rising sea levels in the face of climate change.
On the issue of climate change President Simina stated, “This existential threat to our survival must be treated with the urgency and intensity it demands. The FSM reaffirms our commitment to enhancing climate resilience and maintaining momentum in our global advocacy. We cannot afford to let the world forget what is at stake. We must continue to lead the charge, demanding that global commitments translate into real, tangible actions. Because for us – every degree, every inch of sea-level rise, and every delay matters. We will not relent in pressing for stronger global climate action, nor in safeguarding our Pacific way of life.”
Dialogue with CSO
During leaders dialogue with civil society organizations, the FSM acknowledged and thanked the civil society representatives for their important contributions to the region’s development.
Representing the FSM, T.H. Secretary Lorin Robert reaffirmed the FSM’s commitment to people-centered development and stated “that true development must engage all stakeholders, with a focus on ensuring that the most marginalized voices are heard and empowered.”
Secretary Robert acknowledged the role that youth play in shaping the region’s future, stating, “We are particularly proud that one of our native sons now leads the Pacific Youth Council, embodying the spirit of youth empowerment and leadership that is essential for the region’s development. The FSM stands ready to continue working collaboratively with all partners to build a future that leaves no one behind.”
Support for Guam and American Samoa
The FSM actively support Guam and American Samoa’s application for associate membership of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and sought the endorsement of Leaders, underscoring the importance of unity and inclusivity within the Pacific family. The FSM proactively urged the applications’ inclusion at the ministerial meeting in the lead-up to the Forum Leaders Meeting and during the Forum plenary and retreat.
By the conclusion of the retreat, the Pacific Island Forum Leaders, by consensus, endorsed the applications of Guam and American Samoa as Associate Members, noting that the ongoing Review of the Regional Architecture may affect associate membership criteria and entitlements.
Retreat
At the conclusion of the leaders’ retreat, the leaders endorsed the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Communiqué that outlines key decisions and outcomes aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, resilience, and sustainable development. The communiqué, which reflects the unified commitment of the Pacific region under the theme “Transformative and Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now,” includes endorsements for strategic initiatives such as the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF). Leaders also expressed solidarity in addressing climate change, enhancing regional disaster management, and supporting health, education, sustainable economic growth and enhancing engagement of the SIS grouping in addition to the Bridge to Busan Declaration among others. The endorsement of this communiqué signifies a collective call for action and partnership to advance the region’s priorities for a resilient and sustainable future.
The FSM delegation to the 53rd PIF was led by President Simina and included Madame First Lady Ancelly Simina, Chairman of External Affairs Senator Hon. Peter Christian, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Hon. Lorin S. Robert, Secretary of R&D Hon. Elina Akinaga, Acting Attorney General Leonito Bacalando Jr., Ambassador Carson Sigrah, Chief of Staff Jane Chigiyal, Deputy Chief of Mission Chandra Legdesog, Assistant Secretary Kenmore Salvador, Assistant Secretary Glenn Harris, Foreign Service Officer Bridget Endor and other senior officials. The delegation engaged in numerous bilateral and multilateral meetings throughout the Forum, strengthening ties with regional partners and promoting FSM’s national interests on the international stage.
The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia sincerely thanks the Government and people of Tonga for their warm hospitality and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat for their outstanding organizational support in ensuring the success of this year’s Forum.
As the FSM looks ahead to continuing engagements within the Pacific Islands Forum, CROP organizations and partners, it remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the priorities of the Pacific family, strengthening cooperation among member states, and addressing the pressing challenges facing the region, the Pacific Way.
The 53rd PIFLM Communiqué can be found at: https://forumsec.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/53rd%20Pacific%20Islands%20Forum%20Communique_FINAL.pdf
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