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Jewell to address Interagency Group on Insular Areas
Kia’aina to lead discussions on climate change, workforce development, tourism and Compact Impact aid
WASHINGTON, D.C. —On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and White House Intergovernmental Affairs Director Jerry Abramson will co-host the 2015 Senior Plenary Session of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas to discuss issues of critical importance to leaders of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The event will be livestreamed at www.doi.gov/live.
Jewell and Abramson will give opening remarks at 8:30am EST. Assistant Secretary Esther Kia’aina, partnering with various federal and territorial officials, will lead panel discussions on climate change, workforce development, tourism and financial assistance under the Compacts of Free Association.
This is the sixth meeting of the IGIA since President Obama reestablished the group in 2010 under Executive Order 13537, to address policies for the U.S. insular territories. Among its duties, the IGIA solicits information from the island governors and other elected officials, develops recommendations to address issues of concern, and advises the President on establishing, modifying and implementing federal policies that advance the social, economic and political development of the islands. The IGIA is co-chaired by the Secretary of the Interior and the White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.(DOI)
