Micronesia presses for ocean governance, calls for technology transfer and capacity building

Vice President Aron Palik said the ocean is central to Micronesian identity and livelihoods and warned that illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, transnational crime and environmental degradation threaten coastal economies and marine ecosystems. He urged the international community to "enhance cooperation, shared technology, and support capacity building to ensure that the ocean remains a zone of peace governed by international law."

Palik outlined Micronesia's participation in international conservation frameworks, noting that his country was "being the first country to sign the BPN agreement" and is co‑leading work on sea‑based management tools and marine protected area proposals under a named framework. He called for resources and technical support so commitments to conserve at least 30% of ocean areas can become "concrete durable protection for areas beyond national jurisdiction."