23rd Micronesian Islands Forum set for April 25-27, 2018

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands will be the center of the Pacific this week as Saipan hosts delegations from all over Micronesia for the 23rd Micronesian Islands Forum from April 25-27, at the Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan. 

The annual leadership summit brings together the six governors and three presidents of Micronesia, as well as policy representatives from the CNMI, the territory of Guam, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia and its members states of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap.

This year’s theme is “Navigating the World as One Micronesia,” and underscores the importance of Micronesia coming together to adapt to the ever-changing complexities of a more globalized world.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, who will assume the chairmanship of the forum on Wednesday, noted that, in the midst of globalization, now is an important time for all the islands of Micronesia.

“Now more than ever, we as a region and individually as island nations stand at a critical juncture in our lives. We are fully aware of our similarities in culture and history, but we are also cognizant of our shared limitations with economic viability, education, and healthcare as island nations due to our size and location. We are uniquely positioned to determine sustainable policies and reforms that would develop our economies successfully and provide resources for our region’s critical needs. We’re looking forward to the discussions from our chiefs, our special guests, and the Micronesian community at large. I encourage our community in the Marianas to join the discussions,” Torres said.

The three-day event will feature presentations from all nine island jurisdictions and several key federal and regional partners including the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, Office of Insular Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, and the Western Pacific Fishery Council. 

In addition, the agenda includes committee reports from the MIF’s nine standing committees, which are composed of policy representatives from the nine island jurisdictions led by the CNMI’s designated representatives:

• Regional Workforce Development Council
• Micronesia Regional Invasive Species Council
• Renewable Energy Committee
• Pacific Island Regional Recycling Initiative Committee
• Regional Transportation Committee
• Regional Health Committee
• Regional Telecommunications Committee
• Micronesia Challenge
• Regional Tourism Council

At the end of the forum, the island chief executives will sign a communiqué that outlines the steps and initiatives that will be taken moving forward to get the leaders closer to achieving the region’s goals. The MIF will also coincide with the CNMI’s 37thAnnual Flame Tree Arts Festival held that weekend and brings together artists from all over Micronesia in a shared display of culture, tradition, history, and progress moving forward.
Registration is still open the 23rd Micronesian Islands Forum, but space is limited. For more information or to register, please visitwww.micronesianislandsforum.com.
The event will also be streamed live by the Northern Marianas College on the CNMI Office of the Governor Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/CNMIGov. (PR)