Third State and National Leadership Conference ends with two major decisionsPalikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): March 26, 2010 - The Third FSM State and National Leadership Conference (SNLC) held at the College of Micronesia (COM) FSM Gym, Pohnpei, on March 18th and 19th, 2010, ended with the Principals signing on two main decisions: a Declaration of Commitment on Food Security and a Resolution proposing the creation of a Seventh Compact Sector Grant for "Enhanced Reporting and Accountability." Though the Declaration and the Resolution are not legally binding documents, they however constitute a strong signal toward ensuring food security throughout the FSM as well as enhancing the utilization of Compact Grants to achieve developmental objectives in the FSM. Following the Declaration on Food Security, both States and National Governments will now adopt and implement necessary policy measures and plan of actions to ensure that food is available in sufficient quantities and on a consistent basis; and that all FSM citizens have sufficient resources to obtain appropriate foods for a nutritious diet. The FSM Government is convening a National Food Summit next week (March 29th - April 1st) in preparation for a regional Food Summit which will be held in Port Vila, Vanuatu in April. It is clear that this would require the effective participation of both private and public stakeholders, as well as the cooperation of rural communities and individuals. The Third SNLC also adopted important decisions on:
The Third SNLC also considered and took note of recent developments in relation with:
The Private Sector, represented by the FSM Association of Chambers of Commerce, thanked President Mori for including the business community in the conference and for the efforts undertaken by the Government to revamp the Association. Mr. Bill Stinnet, Interim President of the Association, also took the opportunity to share some of the concerns of the Private Sector with the Leadership. These include entry permits for foreign workers, tax and related issues, social security for employees from the Private Sector, economic and telecommunication infrastructure, and safety issues with returning deportees from outside of the FSM. Attending the Third SNLC were the FSM President, H.E. Emanuel Mori, Vice President Honorable Alik Alik, the Speaker of the FSM Congress, the Honorable Isaac Figir, Governors Robert Weilbacher of the State of Kosrae, Wesley Simina of the State of Chuuk, John Ehsa, of the State of Pohnpei, and Sebastian Anefal of the State of Yap. Members of the National and State Cabinets, National and State Senators, members of Diplomatic Missions, representatives of Municipal Governments, supporting staff and representatives from the private sector were also present. The Third SNLC Conference was chaired by Governor Weilbacher of Kosrae State, and the Acting Secretary for the FSM Department of R&D, Mr. Marion Henry, assumed the role of Facilitator. For more information, please contact the Secretariat of the Conference (FSM Department of Resources and Development) at telephone number (691) 320-5133. |