Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called for Guam’s full membership in the Pacific Island Forum Tuesday as she spoke to the organization’s leaders during a meeting in Palau.
Voting membership in the Pacific Islands Forum is currently limited to independent, self-governing nations. Guam is an associate member.
Leon Guerrero told the leaders that as a territory, Guam often watches through the window, seeing opportunities that could help the island, but unable to act on them.
She said federal funding priorities change with presidential administrations, and as a territory, Guam cannot be considered for international aid.
“Today, I ask our Pacific brothers and sisters to stand with us. Support our right to determine our own political future,” she said.
The governor also addressed the issue of seabed mining, noting that Guam’s political status means that islanders may have to live with the consequences of decisions made in Washington.
“Pacific-led solutions can come from Guam just as they can come from anywhere else in our region. That is not because we are a U.S. territory. It is because we are a Pacific island,” the governor said. “That is why I also ask this forum to consider Guam for full membership. Associate membership gives Guam a place in this room, but not always a meaningful voice in it. Political status should not determine whether a Pacific voice is heard.”
Guam and American Samoa were promoted from observer status to associate members in 2024.
The forum, which brings together leaders and representatives of 18 Pacific nations and observers from around the world, opened Monday in Koror.
