Micronesia Sun Bright News from the Deep Pacific
Photo Sources: Office of the President, Republic of Palau
By Christopher Cottrell
June 22, 2026, Palau___President Whipps Jr. delivery of the opening statements of Berlin Climate Mobility Forum late last week was part of a serious opening salvo for the coming Pacific Islands Forum, which will greater European and global investment in the Pacific Islands region.
President Whipps Jr. said, “For Palau, climate mobility is not a future concern—it is a present reality.”
Click here for his full speech in video.
Marshall Islands President Heine also delivered a high profile keynote address.
The event was co-hosted by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility and the Robert Bosch Stiftung to bring, “together governments, international organizations, financial institutions, civil society, and frontline leaders to advance cooperation and endorse shared Climate Mobility Principles.”
He also explained, “how sea-level rise, king tides, coral bleaching, extreme heat, and changing rainfall are already affecting Pacific communities, livelihoods, culture, and water security.”
“Palau’s message is clear: people must have the right to stay rooted in their islands, culture, and ancestral lands, while the world also builds safe, orderly, and dignified pathways for mobility when needed.”
A statement from the Palau president’s office added, “The Forum’s focus on local adaptation finance, community-led solutions, and protecting rights reflects the urgency facing climate-vulnerable communities. Palau stands ready to work with partners to turn principles into action and ensure climate mobility responses are grounded in resilience, solidarity, and hope—for communities facing climate impacts today and tomorrow.”
Whilst in Europe, he also met in Brussels with Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of Belgium, and Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, among others, to introduce European solutions markets to Palau.
He is also presently attending London Climate Action Week (June 22-28, 2026). Europe is extremely interest in investment and climate change in the Pacific Ocean.
