TOKYO, Japan – June 9, 2026 – The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) participated in the 2026 Island States Ocean Summit (ISOS) on June 3, 2026, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to protect and sustainably manage its largest natural resource—the ocean.
The national statement was delivered by the Honorable Elina P. Akinaga, Secretary of Resources and Development, on behalf of His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia.
The 2026 Island States Ocean Summit focused on advancing sustainable ocean management and strengthening collective action toward a climate-resilient ocean future. The Summit brought together over 30 island nations and international partners to discuss key challenges and opportunities for enhancing ocean governance, marine conservation, and the protection of livelihoods that are increasingly becoming more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
In her statement, Secretary Akinaga reaffirmed the FSM’s bold commitment to sustainable development and responsible management of ocean resources, emphasizing the Nation’s pledge to safeguard 30 percent of its marine ecosystem by 2030. She further urged the international community to move beyond dialogue and take decisive, proactive action to address the growing threats facing the world’s oceans.
“The well-being of our communities, which is fundamentally dependent on these critical resources, is of paramount importance and cannot be compromised,” Secretary Akinaga stated.
The Summit acknowledged that the ocean is facing a significant crisis brought about by climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and the unsustainable exploitation of resources. These challenges are affecting SIDS and other island States whose economies, food security, and cultures depend on healthy and productive ocean ecosystems.
Consequently, the Summit urged island States to establish national frameworks for Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) to harmonize conservation efforts with sustainable economic use. SOPM serves as a framework designed to align policies, mitigate sectoral and institutional fragmentation, and guide equitable and sustainable use, conservation, and restoration of ocean resources. It culminated with an announcement from the Nippon Foundation of a USD $100 million fund to be deployed over the next 10 years to support these islands with capacity development and technical support.
The mission concluded with a bilateral meeting involving Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, where Secretary Akinaga extended her congratulations on the successful completion of the Summit. She further conveyed her gratitude for the ongoing assistance provided by the Foundation in relation to global health initiatives and sustainable ocean governance in the FSM. The meeting reaffirmed the Kizuna that exists between the two nations, particularly through the contributions of the Nippon Foundation.
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