Surangel Whipps Jr.

Palau's president said the nation needs "our ability to feed our people from healthy oceans, power our homes independently from distant fuel markets, and protect our shorelines from rising seas."

Forum Chair Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. read a statement calling for all nations that conduct ICBM tests to provide 24 hours notice, the international standard "to ensure transparency and reassurance."

Consultants presented a feasibility study for a plan to build a new $398.8 million hospital near the Palau airport.

Surangel Whipps Jr. noted that large airlines all over the world have created alliances, but Pacific carriers are not part of those partnerships.

The summit at the East-West Center brings together Pacific island leaders, U.S. government and military officials and business executives to discuss investment, security and shared prosperity.

Third-party nationals will help address labor shortages by working in needed occupations.

A six-year, $4 million project funded by the government of Japan removed 429 depth charges from the Helmet Wreck, an unidentified ship discovered in Palau's Harbor in 1990.

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. announced the nation's first golf course will be eco-friendly and built around the Capitol complex in Melekeok State.

Beginning the week of Dec. 1, national government employees will work 72-hour pay periods, rather than 80-hour pay periods.