Theme: Fostering innovation for Food Security
Statement by the Micronesian Delegation
Rome, 2 July 2025
Excellencies;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
All protocols observed.
I bring warm greetings of KAMORALE from the Federated States of Micronesia. We want to thank the Director General, Mr. Qu Dongyu, for the exceptional leadership, a very enriching 44th session, and a successful gathering. In addition, we acknowledge and congratulate you, Chair, on your chairmanship.
It is an honor to address you today on behalf of my nation, as we emphasize our commitment to fostering innovation in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries sectors to enhance food security.
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) envisions a future where food security, sustainable livelihoods, and economic opportunities flourish within an environmentally sustainable framework. While we have made progress since presenting our National Food Systems Dialogue at the UN Food Systems Summit in 2021, we recognize the pressing need to turn dialogue into actionable results. We comprise a total of 607 islands across an expansive Ocean, and encounter distinct challenges stemming from climate change and geographical isolation, which significantly impact our food production and accessibility. This reality calls for innovative solutions.
Climate change presents an urgent threat to our agricultural and fisheries outputs, with erratic weather patterns and natural disasters disrupting our efforts. It is imperative that we receive immediate and sustained attention from all levels of government, communities, and partners.
We greatly appreciate the support that has been extended to date, which has laid a crucial foundation for our work. To further deepen our engagement with local organizations and to lay the groundwork for a robust and resilient food system, I cannot overemphasize the need for additional resources and targeted assistance at this pivotal stage.
The FSM’s rich cultural diversity and governance structures must work in unison to address the challenges of food security. We require a cohesive framework that empowers local communities to manage food systems effectively. Our unique context necessitates innovative strategies that draw from regional and global best practices to ensure sustainable local food production.
In 2021, during the pandemic, our national Food System Summit Dialogue illuminated a critical issue: our over-reliance on imported food, which jeopardizes our health and economic stability. On average, families in the FSM allocate over 50% of their income to food, much of which is unhealthy and sourced from abroad. This reliance is unsustainable.
In response to our dialogue, we secured support for the Food Systems Solutions project, which aims to bolster our local food independence. We are in the process of establishing a Food Innovation Centers Plan across our states to train and employ our citizens in processing and preserving local foods, thereby creating viable alternatives to imported products.
In closing, I urge our regional and international partners to unite with us in our mission to drive economic growth through the development of food systems, aligned with the UN Multi-Stakeholder Framework. Together, we can revitalize local food production and secure a sustainable future for our communities. Your support is essential in fostering resilience and independence in our food systems, paving the way for a healthier and more prosperous future.
Thank you.
