KOLONIA, Pohnpei — His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), led a high-level delegation to the United Nations Multi-Country Office (UNMCO) in Kolonia on May 15, 2025, marking the first official visit by an FSM President to the UNMCO since its establishment.
Accompanied by the Honorable Vice President Aren B. Palik, members of their Cabinet and heads of FSM overseas missions, President Simina’s visit highlights the administration’s commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation and ensuring that the voices and needs of the North Pacific are represented on the global stage.
In his remarks, President Simina underscored the critical role of the UN’s presence in the FSM and the wider Micronesian region, calling the UNMCO a “symbol of our region’s voice being heard and our needs being recognized.” He reflected on the historic establishment of the office, made possible through persistent advocacy and collaboration, and expressed profound gratitude for the deepened engagement and tangible support that the office has brought to the region.
The Kolonia-based UNMCO serves not only the FSM, but also the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Nauru, and the Republic of Kiribati. President Simina celebrated the evolution of the UNMCO into a vibrant hub of international cooperation, now home to 17 UN agencies actively working with Micronesian governments and communities.
From climate resilience and public health to digital transformation and sustainable development, the UN’s work in the North Pacific has yielded meaningful progress. President Simina emphasized that this success is not simply measured in figures, but in trust, mutual respect, and a renewed partnership rooted in shared goals.
Looking ahead, the President expressed strong support for the construction of the One UN Micronesia House, a planned permanent, carbon-neutral facility in Pohnpei that will unify UN agencies and other regional partners under one roof. He affirmed the FSM’s commitment to supporting the fundraising and realization of this important initiative.
Despite global funding constraints, including significant cuts to the UN system, President Simina stressed the importance of a unified, multilateral approach to confronting the challenges faced by FSM and other small island developing states, especially in the areas of climate change and development.
“We are proving that multilateralism works—and that no one is truly left behind when we walk forward together,” said the President.
The Office of the President extends its deep appreciation to UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Tapan Mishra and the entire UNMCO team for their hospitality and continued dedication to the people of Micronesia.
###
