By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
Kiribati President Taneti Maamau has called for stronger advocacy and support for Small Island States as he handed over the chairmanship of the group to Palau.
Addressing the Small Island States Leaders Meeting in Koror virtually from Tarawa, Maamau said the meeting provided an important opportunity for island countries to develop common solutions to the complex challenges they face.
“It is a privilege and an opportunity to converge ideas and solutions for the complex challenges that we face, especially as Small Island States,” Maamau said.
Maamau said it had been a privilege for Kiribati to serve as Chair of the Small Island States over the past year.
He said leaders had agreed at their meeting in Manila last year on two major tasks to reconsider the key characteristics that define Small Island States and to sharpen their collective priorities.
Maamau said the work was expected to strengthen the group’s approach to international advocacy and improve support for the development and financing needs of Small Island States.
“I am hopeful that these tasks will support a strengthened approach to advocacy and funding for the development of our Small Island States economies,” he said.
Maamau expressed confidence that Palau would continue the work and raise the political visibility of Small Island States at both regional and global levels.
“I am also confident that the incoming Chair will take on this future with the confidence and innovation necessary to heighten political visibility, engagement and support both in the region and globally,” he said.
He thanked fellow leaders for their support during Kiribati’s chairmanship and acknowledged the work of senior officials, the Small Island States Working Group, national administrations, the Secretariat and relevant international agencies.
“I thank colleagues for their trust and support.
“With those remarks, and in accordance with our established practice, I seek the support of members for Palau to assume the chairmanship of the Small Island States,” Maamau said.
The handover gives Palau another leadership role during a week in which it is also hosting the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and preparing to assume the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum.
