{"id":574,"date":"2026-04-27T03:08:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T03:08:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574"},"modified":"2026-04-28T12:21:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T12:21:06","slug":"micronesia-addresses-un-economic-and-social-commission-asia-pacific","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574","title":{"rendered":"Micronesia Addresses UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-578\" srcset=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735-1-24x16.jpg 24w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735-1-36x24.jpg 36w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735-1-48x32.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photo Sources:&nbsp; UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific (ESCAP), Thailand&#8217;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Christopher Cottrell<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By Christopher Cottrell<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>April 27, 2026, Federated States of Micronesia\/Bangkok, Thailand<\/strong>___<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unescap.org\/events\/commission82\">Closing Friday at the UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific (ESCAP) 82<sup>nd<\/sup> Session in Bangkok, Thailand<\/a>, Herman Semes Jr., Micronesia\u2019s Assistant Secretary of the Division of Multilateral &amp; European Affairs and FSM Department of Foreign Affairs, joined delegates from the Asia-Pacific for an urgent call for demographic and socioeconomic challenges, climate change, and multilateralism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.59.15-AM-1024x506.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-579\" srcset=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.59.15-AM-1024x506.png 1024w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.59.15-AM-300x148.png 300w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.59.15-AM-768x380.png 768w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.59.15-AM-1536x760.png 1536w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.59.15-AM-2048x1013.png 2048w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.59.15-AM-24x12.png 24w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.59.15-AM-36x18.png 36w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.59.15-AM-48x24.png 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The theme of the event was,\u201cLeaving no one behind: advancing a society for all ages in Asia and the Pacific,\u201d with the intent to, \u201cdiscuss\u202fcurrent and emerging demographic\u202ftrends\u202fand socioeconomic\u202fpriorities, including\u202fdecent\u202fwork,\u202ffull and productive employment across age groups,\u202fhealthy and active ageing, women\u2019s economic empowerment, the future of care and\u202foverall\u202fsocial integration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With more than 60 percent of the world\u2019s population, the Asia-Pacific region is witnessing sharp demographic shifts, with simultaneous rapid aging and youth bulges. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unescap.org\/events\/commission82\">According to a statement<\/a> from ESCAP, \u201cThis transformation poses a critical policy challenge: how to create decent jobs, enhance labour productivity, and build cohesive and inclusive societies amid demographic shifts and the megatrends of climate change, urbanization, digitalization and artificial intelligence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unescap.org\/sites\/default\/d8files\/event-documents\/CS82%20Address%20by%20H.E.%20Mr.%20Anutin%20Charnvirakul.pdf\">keynote address<\/a> was delivered by Thailand&#8217;s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who said, \u201cWe meet at a time of growing uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions are weakening the rules-based order that has supported decades of growth. Climate pressures are rising and financial conditions are tightening, just as our economies require greater investment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06720.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06720.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06720-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06720-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06720-24x16.jpg 24w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06720-36x24.jpg 36w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06720-48x32.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered Thailand\u2019s<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mfa.go.th\/en\/content\/dpm-fm-escap-82-en?cate=5d5bcb4e15e39c306000683e\"> statement during the General Debate under the theme \u201cOpportunities and solutions for a sustainable future.\u201d<\/a> According to a statement from Thailand\u2019s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, \u201cHe underscored that, amid global uncertainty and multiple crises, there remains an important opportunity to strengthen resilience and invest in the future. Thailand places priority on advancing inclusive digital and green transitions, promoting sustainable finance, developing carbon markets, and formulating climate change legislation, with a view to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. He stressed that achieving these goals would require cooperation at all levels, including South-South and triangular cooperation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the sidelines of the UN Convention Center in Bangkok, Deputy PM and FM Sihasak told the Micronesia Sun that, \u201cToday, there are challenges facing multilateralism, with many sources. We live in a world of greater fragmentation. The world we are going from crisis to crisis. We need peace now more than ever, especially with development.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He continued, \u201cThe Pacific Islands face unique challenges. There is a real present danger and threat. We have to do more for climate change. Unfortunately, this crisis in the Middle East is going to impact our efforts to move toward cleaner and renewable energy I hope the world, as it is right now, fraught as it is with uncertainties, will not sidetrack us from dealing with this common challenge of climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06729.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06729.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06729-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06729-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06729-24x16.jpg 24w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06729-36x24.jpg 36w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06729-48x32.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06741.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-582\" srcset=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06741.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06741-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06741-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06741-24x16.jpg 24w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06741-36x24.jpg 36w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06741-48x32.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unescap.org\/sites\/default\/d8files\/event-documents\/Micronesia_2026.04.20%20-%20UNESCAP%20Statement%20by%20Herman%20Semes%20Jr%20Final%20%282%29%201_0.pdf\">Assistant Secretary Semes Jr. affirmed these challenges for the FSM<\/a>, stating in his remarks at the podium before the full assembly, that, \u201cThis comes at a critical time for our region in light of uncertainties around the world, Guided by the important focus of \u2018Leaving no one Behind, Advanced Society for all Asia and the Pacific\u2019 this platform offers a valuable platform to consider demographic trends, socioeconomic priorities, and the well being of people across all generations, from decent work and productive employment to healthy and active aging, women\u2019s economic empowerment and social integration, to name a few.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06745.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-583\" srcset=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06745.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06745-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06745-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06745-24x16.jpg 24w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06745-36x24.jpg 36w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06745-48x32.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He continued, \u201cThese priorities strongly resonate with the FSM, where our efforts to build a resilient, inclusive, and people centered society must respond to the needs of our children, youth, adults and older persons alike. For the FSM, sustainable development is above all about people, improving lives, safeguarding well being and ensuring that no one is left behind in our small, remote island communities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/webtv.un.org\/en\/asset\/k1t\/k1tnl1zknh?\">To watch his speech, click here to hour three, minute 10 on UN WebTV<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On a panel discussion, and speaking to the assembly, he said, \u201cAs many of you are aware, Typhoon&nbsp;Sinlaku&nbsp;inflicted severe and widespread damage across Chuuk State&nbsp;last&nbsp;week,&nbsp;with&nbsp;my President Simina&nbsp;declaring a state of emergency after prolonged high winds, heavy rain, and storm surge battered Weno and nearby lagoon and outer islands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06715.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06715.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06715-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06715-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06715-24x16.jpg 24w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06715-36x24.jpg 36w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06715-48x32.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He continued: \u201cChuuk State has seen&nbsp;34,000 people&nbsp;affected, with&nbsp;multiple fatalities and missing persons reported, while shortages of safe water, fuel, and basic goods and the use of backup power at the main hospital raised serious humanitarian and&nbsp;public\u2011health&nbsp;concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am&nbsp;sharing so you can be aware&nbsp;of&nbsp;our response, and we welcome any&nbsp;assistance&nbsp;&nbsp;in&nbsp;our recovery&nbsp;efforts..&nbsp;it&nbsp;is&nbsp;timely&nbsp;that we are discussing climate finance and the Baku Declaration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06738.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-585\" srcset=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06738.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06738-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06738-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06738-24x16.jpg 24w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06738-36x24.jpg 36w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06738-48x32.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAs&nbsp;a&nbsp;small island developing state, FSM&nbsp;stands against&nbsp;the mercy&nbsp;of climate change. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and increasingly severe weather events pose immediate threats to our communities, infrastructure, food security, and freshwater resources. These challenges are compounded by geographic isolation, limited fiscal space, and capacity constraints, which make accessing and effectively&nbsp;utilizing&nbsp;climate finance particularly difficult.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDespite these constraints, FSM has taken meaningful steps to strengthen national resilience and advance climate action.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOur government has prioritized the integration of climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction into national planning frameworks, including the implementation of the Strategic Development Plan and state-level resilience strategies. We continue to work closely with regional partners and international institutions to improve climate data collection, strengthen early warning systems, and enhance community-based adaptation efforts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFSM is also actively&nbsp;engaging&nbsp;with multilateral climate finance mechanisms, including the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility, to support projects that address coastal protection, water security, and renewable energy development. Efforts are underway to improve institutional capacity for project development, fiduciary standards, and monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that climate finance can be accessed more efficiently and&nbsp;utilized&nbsp;effectively.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAt the community level, FSM is promoting locally led adaptation initiatives that draw on traditional knowledge and practices. These include mangrove restoration, sustainable fisheries management, and climate-resilient agriculture. Such&nbsp;approaches not only enhance resilience but also strengthen local ownership and long-term sustainability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHowever, significant gaps&nbsp;remain. Accessing climate finance continues to be complex, time-consuming, and resource-intensive for small administrations. There is a pressing need for simplified application processes, more predictable and sustained funding flows, and increased direct access for vulnerable countries. Additionally, financing must better reflect the scale and urgency of adaptation needs in small island contexts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCountries like Micronesia&nbsp;are&nbsp;deemed&nbsp;\u201ctoo risky\u201d for conventional climate finance: The Baku Hub and Baku Call emphasize support for countries considered too risky for conventional climate funding, including those with high humanitarian needs. While Micronesia is peaceful, our small scale, high vulnerability, limited absorptive capacity, and complex access requirements have made climate finance access slow and fragmented, resulting in a significant financing gap for adaptation and disaster risk management.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMicronesia is asking to be a pilot country under the Baku&nbsp;Hub&nbsp;to help test real solutions for climate challenges faced by small island nations.&nbsp;We hope&nbsp;to develop a program ahead of COP31 that focuses on climate resilience, safe community relocation, and social stability, especially for outer islands at risk from sea-level rise&nbsp;and drought. This includes building stronger coastal defenses and improving water and energy systems, while also supporting early warning systems, jobs, and community-led planning.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Micronesia also wants faster and easier access to climate funding and technical support by organizing its projects into one clear package with partners like the Green Climate Fund. At the same time, it will address climate-driven movement of people in a fair and respectful way, protect cultural heritage, and support communities affected by loss and damage.&nbsp;By working with other&nbsp;Pacific island&nbsp;countries, Micronesia aims to share lessons, push for simpler funding access, and highlight the importance of oceans and local communities. All efforts will be led by the country itself, involving government, traditional leaders, youth, and civil society to ensure solutions are inclusive and effective.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBy aligning our national efforts and priorities with the Baku framework, by seeking pilot country status or a tailored&nbsp;small\u2011island&nbsp;window, and by working with partners to unlock finance, manage mobility, and protect our people and culture, Micronesia can help demonstrate how&nbsp;climate\u2011vulnerable&nbsp;States can move from crisis to resilience, and from pledges to implementation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06705-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-587\" srcset=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06705-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06705-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06705-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06705-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06705-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06705-16x24.jpg 16w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06705-24x36.jpg 24w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06705-32x48.jpg 32w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06705-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMicronesia&nbsp;calls for strengthened international cooperation and support in several key areas. First, we urge development partners to expand grant-based financing and reduce reliance on loans, recognizing the limited debt-carrying capacity of small island states. Second, we emphasize the importance of capacity-building initiatives that enable countries like FSM to design, implement, and manage climate projects independently&nbsp;with innovative monitoring and evaluation. Third, we encourage greater alignment between climate finance mechanisms and national priorities, ensuring that funding reaches the communities most in need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFurthermore, we advocate for increased investment in resilient infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and climate-informed planning. Strengthening partnerships at the regional and global levels will be essential to mobilizing resources, sharing knowledge, and scaling up successful approaches.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIn conclusion, Federated States of Micronesia&nbsp;remains&nbsp;committed to advancing climate resilience through proactive national action and strong international partnerships. We call on the global community to match this commitment with accessible, adequate, and sustained climate finance that reflects the realities faced by fragile and climate-vulnerable states.&nbsp;Together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for FSM and other vulnerable nations, leaving no one behind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also happening during the meetings, Thailand hosted the 6<sup>th<\/sup> Thailand-Pacific Island Countries Forum, which saw several nations join hands to set in motion plans for action. Assistant Secretary Hermes Jr. met with Palau, Marshall Islands, the United Kingdom, and Kazakhstan for deeper cooperation discussions. He also spoke with Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This included Assistant Secretary Semes Jr. of FSM, Junior Aini including Marshall Islands Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Pacific Island Countries, Tonga\u2019s Minister of Internal Affairs Hon. Ms. Fane Fotu Fituafe, Samoa\u2019s High Commissioner to Fiji H.E. Ali\u2019ioaiga Feturi Elisaia, H.E. Ratu Etueni Caucau, Fiji\u2019s High Commissioner to Malaysia and Permanent Representative of Fiji to ESCAP, Ms. Delight Star, First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Nauru in Beijing, China, Mr. Sini Michael Namori, Papua New Guinea Charges d\u2019Affaires, Hon. Gustav Aitaro, Palau\u2019s Minister of State, and Hon. Panapasi Nelesone, Tuvalu\u2019s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development. Also with Pacific Islands Forum membership presence was Mr. Andrew Egan, Australia\u2019s Deputy Head of Mission and Permanent Representative to ESCAP and Ms. Abigail Poole, New Zealand\u2019s Deputy Head of Mission and Permanent Representative to ESCAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This also involved a study visit to the Asia-Pacific Development Centre on Disability (APCD) to demonstrate, \u201cThailand\u2019s development efforts towards the elevation and inclusion of persons with disability in society, as well as to discuss opportunities for expanding cooperation on disability empowerment with the PICs,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mfa.go.th\/en\/content\/the-6th-tpif-and-related-activities-2?page=5d5bd3cb15e39c306002a9ac\">according to a statement from Thailand\u2019s Ministry of Foreign Affairs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"773\" src=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.24.08-AM-1024x773.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.24.08-AM-1024x773.png 1024w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.24.08-AM-300x227.png 300w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.24.08-AM-768x580.png 768w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.24.08-AM-24x18.png 24w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.24.08-AM-36x27.png 36w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.24.08-AM-48x36.png 48w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.24.08-AM.png 1504w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He continued, \u201cWe are also looking forward to receiving a Thai technical team to visit the FSM and discuss options and develop roadmaps for areas of cooperation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He added, \u201cThe people of Micronesia and I are grateful to ESCAP, and warmly encourage them to expand their presence in the North Pacific on Pohnpei with the current UN facilities as the regional hub with United Nations Multi-Country Office Countries and Territories, IOM and governments for our efforts with the \u2018One UN House Micronesia\u2019 building complex to house UN ESCAP, and build their presence managing important issues with health, education, disabilities and youth development.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"732\" src=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.53.28-AM-1024x732.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-588\" srcset=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.53.28-AM-1024x732.png 1024w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.53.28-AM-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.53.28-AM-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.53.28-AM-1536x1098.png 1536w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.53.28-AM-24x17.png 24w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.53.28-AM-36x26.png 36w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.53.28-AM-48x34.png 48w, https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-9.53.28-AM.png 1606w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Photo Sources:&nbsp; UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific (ESCAP), Thailand&#8217;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Christopher Cottrell By Christopher Cottrell April 27, 2026, Federated States of Micronesia\/Bangkok, Thailand___Closing Friday at the UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific (ESCAP) 82nd Session in Bangkok, Thailand, Herman Semes Jr., Micronesia\u2019s Assistant Secretary of the Division of Multilateral &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":577,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,18,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-574","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-federated-states-of-micronesia","category-news-federated-states-of-micronesia","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Micronesia Addresses UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific - Micronesia Sun<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Micronesia Addresses UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific - Micronesia Sun\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Photo Sources:&nbsp; UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific (ESCAP), Thailand&#8217;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Christopher Cottrell By Christopher Cottrell April 27, 2026, Federated States of Micronesia\/Bangkok, Thailand___Closing Friday at the UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific (ESCAP) 82nd Session in Bangkok, Thailand, Herman Semes Jr., Micronesia\u2019s Assistant Secretary of the Division of Multilateral &hellip;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Micronesia Sun\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-04-27T03:08:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-28T12:21:06+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"667\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Christopher Cottrell\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Christopher Cottrell\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574\",\"name\":\"Micronesia Addresses UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific - Micronesia Sun\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-27T03:08:23+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-28T12:21:06+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a687fc00ebb47b69bfa953cef82349f2\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735.jpg\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":667},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Micronesia Addresses UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/\",\"name\":\"Micronesia Sun\",\"description\":\"Bright News from the Deep Pacific\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a687fc00ebb47b69bfa953cef82349f2\",\"name\":\"Christopher Cottrell\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1f74eee331cf8c90921135e979e9096ae7a004afaf0bd92fdba33b3c8fd31d88?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1f74eee331cf8c90921135e979e9096ae7a004afaf0bd92fdba33b3c8fd31d88?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Christopher Cottrell\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?author=2\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Micronesia Addresses UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific - Micronesia Sun","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Micronesia Addresses UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific - Micronesia Sun","og_description":"Photo Sources:&nbsp; UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific (ESCAP), Thailand&#8217;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Christopher Cottrell By Christopher Cottrell April 27, 2026, Federated States of Micronesia\/Bangkok, Thailand___Closing Friday at the UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific (ESCAP) 82nd Session in Bangkok, Thailand, Herman Semes Jr., Micronesia\u2019s Assistant Secretary of the Division of Multilateral &hellip;","og_url":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574","og_site_name":"Micronesia Sun","article_published_time":"2026-04-27T03:08:23+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-04-28T12:21:06+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1000,"height":667,"url":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Christopher Cottrell","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Christopher Cottrell","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574","url":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574","name":"Micronesia Addresses UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific - Micronesia Sun","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735.jpg","datePublished":"2026-04-27T03:08:23+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-28T12:21:06+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a687fc00ebb47b69bfa953cef82349f2"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06735.jpg","width":1000,"height":667},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?p=574#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Micronesia Addresses UN Economic and Social Commission Asia Pacific"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/","name":"Micronesia Sun","description":"Bright News from the Deep Pacific","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a687fc00ebb47b69bfa953cef82349f2","name":"Christopher Cottrell","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1f74eee331cf8c90921135e979e9096ae7a004afaf0bd92fdba33b3c8fd31d88?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1f74eee331cf8c90921135e979e9096ae7a004afaf0bd92fdba33b3c8fd31d88?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Christopher Cottrell"},"url":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/?author=2"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/574","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=574"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/574\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":599,"href":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/574\/revisions\/599"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/577"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=574"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=574"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/micronesiasun.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=574"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}