New York, 29 April 2026

Good evening,

Excellencies, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends,

It is my great pleasure to participate in today’s screening of Remathau: People of the Ocean, an inspiring story that follows the first Micronesian and Pacific Islander to reach the deepest point of the ocean.  I’ve never been prouder to be Micronesian and Pacific Islander.

Allow me to first to extend our sincere appreciation to all partners and sponsors – One Reef, Causeway Impact, and Wildlife Conservation Network – for making this event possible. Your support in amplifying Pacific voices, stories, and perspectives is deeply valued, and we are grateful for your commitment to cultural storytelling and youth empowerment.

This remarkable film follows the inspiring journey of Dr. Nicole Yamase, a young Micronesian, whose descent into the Challenger Deep, the deepest known point in the world’s oceans, is not only a historic personal achievement but also a powerful symbol of courage, identity, and connection to the ocean. It is especially meaningful that this extraordinary place lies within the Federated States of Micronesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, reminding us that Micronesia is home to one of the most remarkable and profound places on Earth.  As a young Micronesian woman, Nicole’s story reflects both the depth of our waters and the strength of our people.

Remathau—a navigator, a person of the ocean—speaks to who we are as Pacific islanders. For generations, our people have drawn knowledge, sustenance, and identity from the ocean. Our stories, legends, and traditions are deeply rooted in this relationship, guiding us across vast distances and through changing times.

This film beautifully weaves together those ancestral connections with a modern story of exploration and discovery. It reminds us that even in the deepest parts of the ocean, we carry with us the legacy of those who came before us.

Importantly, this story is also about youth. Across the Pacific, young people are stepping forward as leaders, innovators, and storytellers. They are bridging tradition and modernity, carrying forward our cultural heritage while engaging with global challenges. Dr. Nicole Yamase’s journey is a powerful example of what Pacific youth can achieve, grounded in identity, yet reaching beyond horizons.

As we watch this film, I invite you to reflect not only on the beauty and mystery of the ocean, but also on the resilience, wisdom, and promise of Pacific peoples.

Thank you, and I wish you an inspiring viewing.

Remathau film screening statementDownload