“ONE MICRONESIA” ENSURES THAT THE US KEEPS TO PARIS AGREEMENT: NORTH PACIFIC CSOs
Date: 2 May 2017
Guam – A One Micronesia position is key to ensuring that the US adheres to its Paris agreement commitments and controlled military presence in the sub region.
This was part of a 16-points resolution reached at the 7th Payuta Inc Not for Profit Congress in Tumon, Guam on 26-27 April by civil society leaders from Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Northern Marianas (CNMI) and Marshall Islands. The meeting was co-facilitated with the Pacific Islands Association of NGOs (PIANGO).
PIANGO executive director said PIANGO’s Micronesian NLUs have articulated their support for Pacific resilience in the face of environmental challenges; by vowing to build solidarity through a “One Micronesia” position.
“A highlight of the 7th Payuta Non Profit Congress Resolution is agreement of the CSO leaders to encourage a “One Micronesia” position for the US to adhere to its commitment to the Paris Agreement, and address concerns about its US military presence and the use of the Micronesian islands.”
Duituturaga said the CSO leaders also resolved to commit to increased Pacific CSO participation at the next climate change summit (Conference of the Parties 23) in Bonn, Germany.
“The resolutions also highlighted their aim to strengthen community resilience against climate change, including enacting appropriate legislations to ensure this.”
“I was heartened when they resolved to design consistent and entrenched education campaigns to empower Northern Pacific communities to re-think development issues that truly benefit their islands’ environment and secure a more sustainable future for their children.”
Duituturaga said there was also a strong representation of youth issues in the resolution which called for more youth participation in policy making and the development of youth center networks across the Pacific.
“There was also expressed support for dialogue processes on the decolonization of the mind particularly with the youth,” she said.
ENDS