United Nations

“The ocean is the heart of Micronesian identity, livelihood and future prosperity. It faces mounting pressure from climate change, sea level rise, pollution and unsustainable exploitation."

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."

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said that Guam faces the same problems as the 18 members of the forum, but as an associate member, the island doesn’t get to participate in solving those problems.

Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. compared the situation of small island states facing climate change with that of nations at war.