Kolonia, Pohnpei: January 25, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph participated in a pre-development partner’s round table planning meeting hosted by the FSM Overseas Development Assistance Office for Pohnpei State. The meeting convened to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects, strategic development plans, data accuracy, and stakeholder engagement, was held to pave the way for the second round table with development partners scheduled for March.
Ms. Yvonne Johnny, Special Assistant to the President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) for Overseas Development Assistance, inaugurated the meeting, acknowledging the history of such gatherings, with the first round table initiated in 2012 under then-President Manny Mori.
Governor Joseph, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the initiative and stressed the importance of a master plan guiding the state’s development efforts. With the new compact in place, he highlighted the significance of thorough preparation for the upcoming round table, ensuring as much as possible, alignment between state and national strategic development plans when seeking assistance from donors and development partners.
The meeting, skilfully facilitated by Mr. Patrick Blank, aimed to foster collaboration, align priorities, and enhance coordination for effective and impactful development initiatives.
As Pohnpei State prepares for the next round table with development partners, Governor Joseph reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that state and national strategies are synchronized as much as possible, maximizing the potential for successful partnerships and positive outcomes.