FSM Information Services
September 21, 2026
NEW YORK — FSM Vice President Aren B. Palik met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at UN Headquarters in New York ahead of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, according to FSM Information Services.
The meeting covered the Federated States of Micronesia’s partnership with the United Nations, regional cooperation, the UN’s presence in the North Pacific, and climate resilience.
According to FSM Information Services, Palik expressed the FSM’s appreciation for Guterres’ leadership and his support for establishing the UN Multi-Country Office in Pohnpei, which expanded the organization’s presence in the North Pacific.
Palik discussed progress made through the Multi-Country Office and welcomed new UN Resident Coordinator Mamadou Kane. He also discussed the FSM–UN Country Implementation Plan 2025–2027, signed in November 2025 by the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs and the UN Country Team.
The plan aligns the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework with the FSM’s national growth and climate-resilience priorities.
The two also discussed plans for a permanent “One UN House” in Pohnpei. According to the release, the proposed carbon-neutral and climate-resilient facility is intended to reflect Micronesian heritage and UN principles while providing a permanent base for the organization’s work in the North Pacific.
Palik reiterated the FSM’s commitment to the UN Charter and discussed regional cooperation following the recent 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau.
Climate change was also among the issues discussed. Palik welcomed Guterres’ emphasis on reducing methane emissions, which the FSM views as an important near-term measure for addressing climate change affecting Micronesia and other Small Island Developing States.
Palik thanked Guterres for his role in expanding the UN’s presence in the North Pacific and invited the Secretary-General to visit the FSM if he attends the Pre-COP. The Vice President said such a visit would provide an opportunity for Guterres to see the UN’s work in the sub-region firsthand.
Palik was accompanied by Second Lady Adelita A. Palik, Secretary of Resources and Development Elina P. Akinaga, Secretary of Justice Leonito Bacalando Jr., FSM Permanent Representative to the United Nations Jeem Lippwe, and Assistant Secretary Herman Semes Jr.
Read or download the complete issue of The Kaselehlie Press
Leave a Reply