Flags from most of the Micronesian islands participating in the regional summit this week fly outside the International Conference Center in Majuro on Monday. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Giff Johnson
The Micronesian Islands Forum cranks up with officials meetings Monday and Tuesday this week in Majuro, with the official opening for top leadership from the islands on Wednesday morning.
Marshall Islands leaders are being joined at this summit by their counterparts from Kiribati, Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau.
"At this year's Leaders Forum, I hope we can make meaningful progress on resolving airline connectivity issues - particularly in Micronesia - so our region remains connected and one step ahead," President Hilda Heine said on the eve of this subregional summit.
The Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia have been negotiating with Nauru Airlines over the past two years to extend the current island hopper service with a link to Honolulu.
"Equally important," said President Heine, "the Forum offers a vital platform to strengthen regional solidarity and build common ground on key issues such as climate, ocean health, security, trade, and other pressing challenges. Ultimately, our shared purpose must be to work together in support of the communities we represent."
Monday and Tuesday feature official-level meetings at the International Conference Center in Majuro. Wednesday will be the official opening of the Forum and will feature statements from each of the islands represented.
Outgoing Micronesian Island Forum chair Guam Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero is expected to hand over the chair post to President Heine Wednesday morning.
Other top island leaders expected to attend the summit: FSM President Wesley Simina, Kiribati President Taneti Maamau, Nauru Deputy Speaker Isabela Dageago, Palau Minister Steven Victor, Chuuk Governor Alexander Narruhn, Pohnpei Governor Stevenson Joseph, Kosrae Governor Tulensa Palik, Yap Acting Governor Francis Itimai, and CNMI Lt. Governor David Apatang.
Pacific Islands Forum secretary general Baron Waqa is also expected to participate.
Pretty much every subject of interest to the Pacific islands will be on the table for discussions, including presentations on education, health and transportation. The latter will include a presentation by the Marshall Islands Aviation Task Force that has been meeting extensively with Nauru Airlines.
In addition, Pacific Ocean commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni will deliver a presentation, gender equality will be on the table, as will updates on the SPC and Secretariat of the Pacific Region Environment Program North Pacific offices, and the United Nations multi-country office.
The Micronesia Challenge environmental program will get focus during a luncheon for the leaders hosted by the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority Thursday at its new headquarters annex.
Pacific Island Development Bank and the Bank of Guam will make presentations, as will the recently established Pacific Center for Island Security.
A special night market at the Marshall Islands Resort parking lot will be featured Wednesday evening.
Friday will feature a leaders retreat on Bokanbotin, a small resort island on Majuro Atoll's north shore. While the leaders gather, other Forum participants will join a picnic or fishing tournament.
Friday evening is to feature the closing event to include the launching of the Marshall Islands' Green Growth Initiative and the signing of the Micronesian Island Forum communique.
