You are the first UN Resident Coordinator for the North Pacific, an honour?
It is a profound honour to serve as the first UN Resident Coordinator for the North Pacific, overseeing the five Micronesian nations of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Marshall Islands, Nauru, and Kiribati. This role carries great significance, not only as a personal privilege but also as a responsibility that came with high expectations¡ªexpectations that were clearly articulated to me by the five Micronesian Permanent Representatives in New York during my journey to Pohnpei after my appointment by the UN Secretary-General on 1 October 2021.
They shared with me that the establishment of a UN Multi-Country Office for the North Pacific had been a decade-long aspiration. For over ten years, Micronesian leaders had been advocating for a stronger and more consistent engagement of the UN system in their countries. The Permanent Representatives made it clear that my appointment marked a turning point¡ªan end to this long-standing gap in UN presence and support.
I am proud to say that within just three years, we successfully established a fully operational UN Multi-Country Office, with a regional coordination hub based in Pohnpei, FSM, and colleagues deployed in the other four Micronesian countries. More importantly, we have significantly strengthened the UN's presence and engagement across the region, aligning with the expectations set forth by Micronesian leaders.
How important is the UN in the region, and why?
The Micronesian region is vast, spanning thousands of small islands across a geographical area larger than Europe or the Continental United States. Despite its immense size, the region is home to fewer than half a million people who serve as the stewards of this remote and fragile part of our planet. We cannot afford for them to remain vulnerable. It is crucial that we work together¡ªshoulder to shoulder¡ªto address the region¡¯s urgent challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Of particular concern are rising sea levels and increasingly severe weather events, which demand innovative and adaptive approaches to ensure the region¡¯s resilience.
At last year¡¯s SDG Summit in New York, we identified six key transitions that could serve as catalysts for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. All six are highly relevant to the North Pacific. While I have already mentioned the transition related to our environment, I would like to highlight the other five:
- Food Systems: These systems link health, nutrition, and food production, and they are particularly urgent in the North Pacific. High mortality rates linked to obesity and diabetes are pressing issues that need immediate attention.
- Energy Access and Affordability: The region must reduce its reliance on costly diesel and other fossil fuels. Transitioning to sustainable energy sources is essential for both long-term environmental and economic health.
- Digital Connectivity: Digital connectivity has the potential to bridge the geographic isolation of the islands and connect Micronesians to global markets. Together with the transformation of education, it can ensure that quality education reaches even the most remote child on the most distant island.
- Education: Education is a key enabler of progress. By transforming education systems, we can equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world, while ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of their location.
- Jobs and Social Protection: The North Pacific is facing significant depopulation, especially in the three Micronesian nations with Compacts of Free Association with the United States. A primary driver of this outmigration is the lack of well-paying jobs. Strengthening workforce development and creating sustainable economic opportunities must be a priority going forward.
Finally, our efforts have also focused on mainstreaming human rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment while also addressing the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands. For all of these reasons, it is essential that the UN system continues to support the leadership and people of Micronesia in building a future that leaves no one behind.
What are some of the recent accomplishments of your office?
One of our key accomplishments has been the successful establishment of a fully operational Multi-Country Office for the North Pacific, with a presence in all five Micronesian countries. Another significant achievement is the marked increase in the presence and engagement of UN organisations in the region. Since the office's launch, we have tripled the number of UN organisations operating on the ground.
In addition, we have made notable progress on the One UN Micronesia House. In November 2023, land was allocated for its construction. The building will not only honour the culture and history of the Micronesian region through its design, but it will also be a model of sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality. The landscaping will celebrate both nature and Micronesian art, further highlighting the region's unique heritage. Also, through comprehensive analysis and reporting, we have ensured that Micronesia¡¯s unique challenges and contributions are recognised on the global stage.
Could you share some of your personal reflections on your time in the Pacific as you prepare to move to your next posting?
I have deeply appreciated the warmth and resilience of the Micronesian people across the region. I also had the opportunity to learn how to dive and witness firsthand the breathtaking beauty of the region¡¯s countless small islands, as well as the incredible diversity both in the ocean and on land.
If you had a wish list for the region, what would it be?
The first item on my wishlist is that young people are inspired to stay and build their futures in their home countries, supported by improved education, access to quality healthcare, and well-paying job opportunities. The second item on my wishlist is the preservation of Micronesia¡¯s rich cultural and natural heritage, including its unique biodiversity, for future generations.
The third item on my wishlist is the development and application of innovative, future-focused technologies that empower the region to adapt effectively to rising sea levels and worsening weather events¡ªtechnologies that allow Micronesians to thrive without surrendering or being forced to leave.