FSM Permanent Mission to the United Nations

Happy World Tuna Day!

In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly came together to designate May 2nd, as World Tuna Day by adopting a resolution to recognize tuna’s importance to food security, coastal economies, and sustainable fisheries. Nine years ago, the Micronesian delegation actively engaged in the negotiations on the resolution.

For Micronesia, tuna holds significant value to our people and nation. Tuna fisheries generate substantial revenue for our country and remain a vital source of income for which we depend on. It is therefore imperative that we continue to protect, responsibly manage, and sustainably preserve our tuna stocks for the benefit of present and future generations.

We celebrate this vital food resource because tuna not only feeds our people but also sustains our economy.

What is your favorite type of tuna?

On May 1, 2026, the Mission welcomed Professor Green and his students from Hofstra University. This has become an annual learning opportunity the Mission holds with Professor Green’s class.

“The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”

Statement delivered by Universe Y. Lawrence, Deputy Permanent Representative

New York, 30 April 2026

https://unmission.fm/security-council-open-debate-onthe-situation-in-the-middle-east-including-the-palestinian-question/

Mister President,
I thank the Kingdom of Bahrain for convening this important open debate and for its leadership of the Security Council during the month of April.
Micronesia remains gravely concerned by the evolving and interconnected crises across the Middle East. The continued escalation of violence, including attacks that threaten the sovereignty and security of States in the region, risks further destabilizing an already fragile situation. In this regard, Micronesia strongly condemns attacks by Iran against its neighbors, as well as its continued support for armed groups that contribute to instability across the region.
We are equally alarmed by any actions or threats by Iran to disrupt or close the Strait of Hormuz. Such actions would constitute a serious violation of international law and pose a direct threat to global peace, security, and economic stability. For small island developing States like Micronesia, the free flow of energy and commerce through international waterways is essential. We underscore that freedom of navigation must be fully respected and safeguarded.
Micronesia unequivocally affirms Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks and threats to its security. This right is fundamental and non-negotiable. Israel cannot be expected to tolerate ongoing attacks against its territory or population. At the same time, we emphasize that all measures taken in self-defense must be consistent with international humanitarian law, and ensure the protection of civilians.
We are also deeply concerned by the escalating situation along the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon, including continued attacks by Hezbollah against Israel. These actions risk provoking a broader regional conflict with devastating consequences. We call for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), the cessation of hostilities, and for the Lebanese State to exercise effective control over its territory.

Turning to the Palestinian question, we reaffirm our support for a peaceful, negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on relevant United Nations resolutions and the two-State solution, with Israel and a State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security.
Micronesia emphasizes the urgent need for de-escalation across all fronts and calls on all actors to refrain from actions that further inflame tensions or undermine regional stability.
As a small island developing State, Micronesia places strong faith in multilateralism, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to international law. We urge the Security Council to act with unity and resolve in addressing these serious and interconnected challenges.

I thank you.

Remarks by Micronesia’s Permanent Representative, Mr. Jeem Lippwe at the special screening of Remathau: People of the Ocean (2025)
Co-Hosted by the Permanent Mission of Micronesia, on the occasion of the 25th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

https://unmission.fm/remarks-by-micronesias-permanent-representative-mr-jeem-lippweat-the-special-screening-of-remathau-people-of-the-ocean-2025co-hosted-by-the-permanent-mission-of-micronesia-on-the-occasi/

Good evening,
Excellencies, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends,
It is my great pleasure to participate in today’s screening of Remathau: People of the Ocean, an inspiring story that follows the first Micronesian and Pacific Islander to reach the deepest point of the ocean. I’ve never been prouder to be Micronesian and Pacific Islander.
Allow me to first to extend our sincere appreciation to all partners and sponsors – One Reef, Causeway Impact, and Wildlife Conservation Network - for making this event possible. Your support in amplifying Pacific voices, stories, and perspectives is deeply valued, and we are grateful for your commitment to cultural storytelling and youth empowerment.
This remarkable film follows the inspiring journey of Dr. Nicole Yamase, a young Micronesian, whose descent into the Challenger Deep, the deepest known point in the world’s oceans, is not only a historic personal achievement but also a powerful symbol of courage, identity, and connection to the ocean. It is especially meaningful that this extraordinary place lies within the Federated States of Micronesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, reminding us that Micronesia is home to one of the most remarkable and profound places on Earth. As a young Micronesian woman, Nicole’s story reflects both the depth of our waters and the strength of our people.
Remathau—a navigator, a person of the ocean—speaks to who we are as Pacific islanders. For generations, our people have drawn knowledge, sustenance, and identity from the ocean. Our stories, legends, and traditions are deeply rooted in this relationship, guiding us across vast distances and through changing times.
This film beautifully weaves together those ancestral connections with a modern story of exploration and discovery. It reminds us that even in the deepest parts of the ocean, we carry with us the legacy of those who came before us.
Importantly, this story is also about youth. Across the Pacific, young people are stepping forward as leaders, innovators, and storytellers. They are bridging tradition and modernity, carrying forward our cultural heritage while engaging with global challenges. Dr. Nicole Yamase’s journey is a powerful example of what Pacific youth can achieve, grounded in identity, yet reaching beyond horizons.
As we watch this film, I invite you to reflect not only on the beauty and mystery of the ocean, but also on the resilience, wisdom, and promise of Pacific peoples.
Thank you, and I wish you an inspiring viewing.

FSMUN Mission Cohosts the Screening of Remathau

https://unmission.fm/fsmun-mission-cohosts-the-screening-of-remathau/

April 30, 2026 (New York, FSMUN) – Yesterday evening, the Micronesia Mission in New York co-hosted the screening of the film Remathau: People of the Ocean. The film follows the journey of Dr. Nicole Yamase, a marine biologist from the FSM. Dr. Yamase was the first Pacific Islander to reach the deepest part of the Ocean, the Challenger Deep, and shows the deep connection of the Micronesian people with the Ocean.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Lippwe reflected on the achievement and stated that he “had never been prouder to be a Micronesian and Pacific Islander”. The film was screened at the Directors Guild of America in New York City.

The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion, during which Dr. Yamase shared her experience and journey.

The Government of Malta is calling for Nationals of Small Island Developing States to apply for the Master of Arts (Research on Islands and Small States) Scholarship Program at the University of Malta. FSM citizens are eligible.

Expression of interest must be sent to this email below by April 30, 2026:

[email protected]

Deadline to apply is July, 1, 2026
Application and other important details are found on the link below.
More information can be seen on https://www.um.edu.mt/study/feesfunding/scholarships/postgraduateissischolarships/

Best wishes to our interested FSM citizens.

Islands & Small States Institute Scholarships - L-Università ta' Malta Islands & Small States Institute Scholarships

80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Informal meeting of the plenary on the
intergovernmental negotiations on the
question of equitable representation on and
increase in the membership of the Security
Council and other matters related to the Council

Statement by H. E. Universe Y. Lawrence, FSM Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations

New York, 20 April 2026

https://unmission.fm/80th-session-of-the-united-nations-general-assembly-5/

Thank you, Co-Chairs,

I align Micronesia’s statement with that delivered by the distinguished representative of St. Lucia on behalf of the L.69 Group. Micronesia strongly supports the ongoing discussions on Security Council reform and warmly welcomes the AU Committee of Ten’s submission of the African Model, presented by Ambassador Michael Kanu of Sierra Leone, the C-10 Coordinator.

Co-Chairs,

For eighty years since the founding of the United Nations, the arrangement from a bygone era may have been necessary at that time, but it no longer adequately represents the broader membership of the United Nations today. The world has changed significantly, and this evolution should be reflected in our representation. It is important that the voices of the majority are not overshadowed by the decisions of a few, and that the needs and perspectives of all members are taken into consideration. It is therefore essential that we continue our efforts to reform the Security Council so that it better reflects the realities of today’s world and serves the interests of all member states.

Micronesia reiterates its support for expanding Security Council membership in both categories to provide developing countries and underrepresented regions with a greater voice in decisions that affect their interests. As an L.69 member, Micronesia supports the L.69’s blueprint of 27 seats (needing 15 affirmative votes) alongside Africa’s minimum of 26. This harmony ensures meaningful growth, fair representation for the Global South, vital for vast-ocean nations like ours, and a Council equipped to tackle the threats posed by climate change and sea-level rise with credibility.

As my delegation has said in past statements, reform is not just a choice; it is necessary to make the Council more legitimate and effective.

Co-Chairs,

Micronesia fully supports the Common African Position, as reflected in the African Model, for two permanent seats with all the rights and privileges of permanent membership. Like the African Model, the L.69’s origins in A/61/L.69/Rev.1 stem from a fundamental truth: the Security Council lacks legitimacy when regions suffering its decisions most, whether Africa’s crises or our drowning atolls from sea-level rise hold the least sway. For Micronesia’s low-lying communities, this gap threatens not just equity, but our physical existence.

Micronesia fully supports giving SIDS a non-permanent seat, whose voices are often not heard in the Security Council. As a SIDS, Micronesia therefore champions the L.69’s proposal, rooted in CARICOM advocacy, for a rotating non-permanent seat reserved for Small Island Developing States. Far from rivaling Africa’s demands, it fills a critical void: addressing SIDS’ acute exposure to climate-driven security risks that could submerge our homelands. We urge the C-10 to explore integrating this forward-looking element.

Co-Chairs,

In conclusion, I respectfully encourage the IGN to consider documenting each meeting in writing. Maintaining a single, updated text would enhance transparency, clarify positions, and support more focused discussions. Such an approach would better equip the UN to address emerging challenges, while ensuring that Security Council reform remains central to our shared objectives.

I thank you.

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Moldova
https://unmission.fm/establishment-of-diplomatic-relations-between-the-federated-states-of-micronesia-and-the-republic-of-moldova/

April 2, 2026

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of Moldova signed an agreement today to formally establish diplomatic relations, marking the beginning of a new chapter of cooperation between the two countries. The signing ceremony took place at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the United Nations in New York, between their respective Permanent Representatives, Ambassador Jeem Lippwe of Micronesia and Ambassador Gheorghe Leucă of Moldova.

The agreement underscores the mutual desire of FSM and Moldova to deepen political dialogue, strengthen multilateral collaboration, and promote cooperation in areas of common interest, and participation in the work of the United Nations and other international fora.

With this agreement, the Republic of Moldova becomes the 102nd country with which the Federated States of Micronesia has established diplomatic relations. The continued expansion of FSM’s diplomatic network reflects the Government’s commitment to building strategic partnerships and ensuring that a small island nation’s voice is heard in global decision making.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between States is a cornerstone of international cooperation. It provides the legal and political framework for dialogue, facilitates practical collaboration on issues such as trade, education, and technical assistance, and strengthens the multilateral system that underpins peace, security, and sustainable development.

The governments of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Moldova look forward to building on today’s milestone and advancing a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship in the years ahead.

https://unmission.fm/side-event-on-the-bbnj-prepcom-to-launch-the-living-high-seas-initiative/

At the invitation of the Living High Seas, Ambassador Lippwe participated in a side event at the margins of the BBNJ PrepCom to launch the Living High Seas initiative which brings together pioneering countries, including Micronesia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Indonesia and Senegal to co-develope the first generation of high seas marine protected areas (MPAs) and other area-based management tools (ABMTs). The Living High Seas initiative is a new post-BBNJ implementation partnership designed to turn the BBNJ Agreement from text into action. It is primarily funded by Germany's International Climate Initiatice (IKI), with co-financing from the Minderoo Foundation, implemented by GIZ, GOBI and the IUCN. Ambassador had the opportunity to deliver his remark at the side event.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, and cooperation partners,

I am honored to represent Micronesia today at this important partnership. Thank you for the invitation.

Micronesia was the first country to sign the BBNJ Agreement and the seventh to ratify it.

As a big Ocean State, Micronesia has long advocated for the protection and preservation of the Ocean. Our identities, cultures, and economy are inextricably linked to the Ocean.

We are therefore a proud partner to the Living High Seas initiative.

For Micronesia and other small island developing States, the effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement is essential to addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution directly affecting the Ocean.

The Agreement reinforces the principle that our global commons must be managed collectively, cooperatively, and equitably.

We are therefore very keen to utilize the Living High Seas initiative as a means to advance ocean governance. Improving the conservation and sustainable use of the biodiversity of the Remetau Group area that is part of a high seas pocket adjacent to Micronesia is a key objective.

We look forward to exploring a Remetau Group ABMT proposal together with our Pacific neighbors, with the support of Living High Seas.

Thank you.

We were honored to meet with former US Ambassador to the FSM, Carmen G. Cantor. Following her service in Micronesia, she was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Interior and now serves as Deputy Executive Director at the United Nations Security Council Counter Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED). We congratulate Ambassador Cantor on her new role.