Honiara, Solomon Islands - This week, for the first time, Guam took its rightful place among other Pacific leaders in its inaugural meeting as an Associate Member of the 54th annual Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the region's premier political organization. Guam was granted observer status in the PIF in 2011 and has since ascended to associate member following a thorough application and evaluation process. Earlier this week, Hawaii Congressman Ed Case introduced H.R. 4490, which would include the PIF in the Pacific Partnership Act, signifying the growing importance of the organization to the United States.

Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio represented Guam and highlighted the island's progress toward implementing PIF objectives in pursuit of a sustainable, prosperous, and healthy Pacific, as well as its commitment to advancing its 2050 Blue Pacific Continent strategy as part of the global movement to pursue the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He said, "Our engagement in the PIF allows us to take our place as a regional leader and work more collaboratively with our neighbors to address common concerns. It raises the profile of our island and paves the way for more economic opportunities."

The Lt. Governor highlighted ongoing initiatives, including Guam Green Growth and the Micronesia Challenge, which promotes environmental stewardship, climate resilience, sustainable development, food security, and the reduction of poverty. He also discussed the need for economic diversification, workforce development, and biosecurity. "Guam is upholding the commitments we made in the Micronesia Challenge 2030 - protecting and effectively managing our fisheries, building up watershed restoration and forest conservation, and fostering climate-aware and resilient communities. Our island's approach to pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals is through our Guam Green Growth Action Framework. This model has also been adopted by our neighbors in the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, and the Marshall Islands," said Lt. Governor Tenorio.

Promoting Guam as a regional hub for expanded passenger air service, commercial transportation, telecommunications, and financial services was a major focus of Lt. Governor Tenorio's engagements. He added, "There is significant frustration throughout the region about the lack of passenger air service connecting the north and south Pacific, in addition to the need for reliable communications infrastructure. Guam's expanding transportation and communications infrastructure supports a case for our island to serve as the premier hub for commercial enterprise for the greater Pacific. These are areas of opportunity for our island that can be pursued."

Photo caption (BARON WAQA): Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio is pictured with Baron Waqa, who serves as the Secretary to the PIF and is responsible for the management of the PIF Secretariat.

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