September 4, 2026
KOROR, Palau — His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), led a Talanoa of the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL) in his capacity as PICL Chair, on the margins of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau.
The Talanoa brought PICL leaders together to exchange views on strengthening PICL and determining the way forward for the Conference.
Joining the Talanoa were East-West Center President Celeste Connors and former Governor of Hawaiʻi John Waiheʻe, a member of the East-West Center Board of Governors who also represented Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green, together with representatives of the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) Secretariat.
PIDP Interim Director Henry Puna addressed leaders and provided an update on progress toward developing the PICL Governance and Administrative Manual (GAM). Mr. Puna also introduced Ms. Jaimee Neel as the new Deputy Director of PIDP.
Leaders heard updates from PIDP on the development of the GAM and provided general guidance on the work ahead. The proposed manual is intended to support PICL’s governance and future operations.
Leaders tasked the PIDP Secretariat with continuing to develop the GAM through the Standing Committee ahead of its consideration by leaders. Members also agreed to convene a formal PICL meeting in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, in December 2026 to review the proposed manual and consider the way forward for PICL.
“My constructive engagement with the Pacific Islands Development Program at the Pacific Islands Forum underscored our joint commitment to regional cooperation, and I look forward to working closely with PIDP’s new leadership to champion and serve the critical priorities of our Pacific home,” President Simina said.
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