PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea—From May 11-14, 2026, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) participated in the 2026 Melanesian Ocean Summit held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, under the theme “Ensuring Ocean Protection with Sustainable Ocean Economies”. The Summit brought together leaders, ministers, senior officials, development partners and regional stakeholders to advance dialogue and cooperation in key ocean sectors, including ocean governance, marine conservation, climate resilience, sustainable fisheries and Blue Economy development.
Representing FSM at the Summit was Mr. Khandi A. Elieisar, Presidential Special Envoy and Special Advisor to the President on Foreign Affairs Matters, who led the FSM delegation comprising Mr. John Perman Taman Jr., Special Assistant to the President on Micronesian Affairs and Mr. Mr. Rophino Roby, First Secretary of the FSM Mission in Suva.
In his opening remarks, Presidential Special Envoy Elieisar conveyed the appreciation of H.E. President Wesley W. Simina to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea for hosting the Summit and reaffirmed FSM’s steadfast commitment to Pacific regional solidarity and Pacific-led action in safeguarding the regions shared ocean resources.
On the margins of the Summit, FSM reaffirmed its longstanding friendship and enduring bilateral partnership with Papua New Guinea, meeting with Hon. James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. FSM acknowledged PNG’s leadership within the Pacific region and both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening areas of mutual interest, including maritime security, fisheries management and development, ongoing trilateral cooperation with the Solomon Islands on the joint continental shelf submission relating to the Ontong Java Plateau, and the enhancing the tuna value chain through the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi) Treaty.
Over the course of the Summit, Presidential Special Envoy Elieisar highlighted FSM’s national leadership in ocean stewardship, including the Micronesia Challenge 2030, ongoing efforts to finalize and safeguard FSM’s maritime boundaries, its role as a core partner in the ENBi, and early ratification of the BBNJ Agreement.
These national efforts reflect FSM’s broader commitment to collective Pacific action in strengthening the region’s voice in global ocean governance processes, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework, and the Agreement on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
The 2026 Melanesian Ocean Summit concluded with renewed commitment among participants to deepen regional cooperation, promote sustainable ocean stewardship, and advance practical solutions for the Pacific in safeguarding our Pacific Ocean for present and future generations.
