After leaving the North Pacific in 2018 because of operational and infrastructure challenges, the Peace Corps is returning to Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.
On Wednesday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who is serving as the Peace Corp’s acting director, signed a letter of intent for the return with Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley W. Simina, Republic of the Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine and Republic of Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr.
The leaders signed the letter while attending the Pacific Island Forum in Koror, Palau.
Prior to the 2026 reopening of the Palau program, more than 4,400 Peace Corps volunteers served in Micronesia and Palau, which operated as a single program spanning both countries from 1966 to 2018. More than 140 Peace Corps volunteers served in the Marshall Islands from 1966 until 1996.
Peace Corps volunteers collaborate with host country partners on locally prioritized projects, gaining skills and experience, while fostering mutual understanding, and promoting American values.
In 2017, the Peace Corps issued a statement saying it would phase out the Micronesia and Palau program due to “operational and infrastructure challenges in areas ranging from vast geographic distances, medical care and transportation, and recurring staff vacancies.”