September 17, 2024

KOLONIA,Pohnpei, FSM: September 16, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph welcomed Mr. Victor Abainza, Lead Consultant from the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP), and Dr. Romulo S. Romero, CEO & Principal Consultant at OTI Philippines Center for Effective Governance to his office. The distinguished visitors were on a courtesy call to the Governor’s Office prior to their scheduled engagement with the Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA). During their visit, Governor Joseph expressed his gratitude for their interest in supporting the development of Pohnpei State and highlighted the importance of the PPA’s Strategic Development Plan (SDP) in driving economic growth and infrastructure improvements. ADFIAP and OTI Philippines will be working closely with the PPA to assist in the development of their SDP. Their expertise in development financing and effective governance will be invaluable in guiding the PPA towards a sustainable and prosperous future. About ADFIAP The Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) is a regional organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development and economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region through its member development finance institutions. About OTI Philippines OTI Philippines Center for Effective Governance is a leading consultancy firm providing expert advice and solutions in governance, leadership, and organizational development.

📢 Attention Pohnpei! The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Enhancing Direct Access (EDA) Programme is excited to announce a climate change adaptation grant opportunity through the Resilient Communities Grant Facility (RCGF). 💧🌱 Municipalities and State Governments in FSM can now apply for grants ranging from $75,000 to $1 million to tackle critical climate vulnerabilities in areas like food security, water security, and disaster risk reduction. The total funding pool is $12 million, and projects must present innovative adaptation strategies to address specific climate risks. 📝 How to Apply: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form to the EDA Programme. Submission window: September 5th – October 31st, 2024. 📩 Contact: Email the EDA Programme Coordination Unit at fsmeda@spc.int for the EOI form and more information. 📅 Key Date: EOI Submission Deadline: October 31, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. (Pohnpei Time) Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen our communities’ resilience to climate change! 🌊🌿 #ClimateChange #ResilientCommunities #PohnpeiState #FSM

  COM-FSM Palikir, Pohnpei, FSM: September 17, 2024 – Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Mark Kostka, delivered a warm welcome on behalf of Governor Stevenson A. Joseph and Acting Governor Francisco L. Ioanis to the 19th Annual Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Ministerial Meeting held at the College of Micronesia-FSM gymnasium. In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Kostka expressed Pohnpei’s deep honor and respect for the distinguished officials from the Pacific Island family. He underscored the significance of the PNA in the economic development of the Federated States of Micronesia and its member nations. “As custodians of 50% of the tropical tuna stock within the Western Central Pacific Ocean, the PNA plays a vital role in the sustainability of our shared ocean heritage,” Mr. Kostka emphasized. On behalf of Governor Joseph and Acting Governor Ioanis, Director Kostka extended their warmest greetings to all attendees and wished them fruitful discussions that would pave the way for stronger cooperation and management of marine resources. He also encouraged the delegates to explore Pohnpei’s rich culture and natural beauty during their stay and spend their much-appreciated per diem supporting Pohnpei’s local economy. The 19th Annual PNA Ministerial Meeting is a significant event for the region, bringing together leaders to discuss and address issues related to tuna fisheries management and conservation. The full video of the official opening ceremony can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/live/ZgPtmXx04Ec?si=IeDbc-rQS182MkeB

The 45th Liberation Day Games kicked off Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at the PICS Field, with Governor Stevenson A. Joseph and First Lady Dr. Aina Garstang joining dignitaries from Pohnpei and beyond to mark this important occasion. The games, a yearly tradition commemorating Pohnpei’s liberation during World War II, highlight the spirit of sportsmanship and unity within the state. Among those in attendance were The Honorable Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Speaker of the 11th Pohnpei Legislature; The Honorable Nelbert Perez, Floor Leader of the 23rd FSM Congress; The Honorable Quincy Lawrence; The Honorable Kumer Biza, Mayor of Kolonia Town; His Excellency Wu Wei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the FSM; Her Excellency Jennifer Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to the FSM; and Her Excellency Jennifer Grant-Curnow, Australian Ambassador to the FSM. Both Governor Joseph and Speaker Yamaguchi delivered remarks, expressing their heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of the games and the athletes who had worked diligently to represent their respective municipalities. In his address, Governor Joseph emphasized the importance of fostering goodwill and sportsmanship in these games, which symbolize both the resilience of the people of Pohnpei and their dedication to building a strong, united future. Click below to watch the Liberation Day Message by Governor Joseph: https://youtu.be/1iMePj_YDXc?si=raIxJwcdzEN0ne1-