Palau hosted a side event at COP28 on Collaboration towards regional Pacific Pathway. The side event was moderated by Pacific Ocean Commissioner, Dr. Filimon Manoni. President Whipps gave a keynote address emphasizing the role of healthy Pacific Ocean for healthy planet Minister John Silk of Marshall Islands spoke of the importance of healthy ocean and fisheries and efforts towards sustainability and ensuring benefits to Pacific Islands. UN Special Envoy for Oceans, Peter Thompson acknowledged the importance and the unique role of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner towards a healthy ocean. Lukes Isechal, from MAFE shared lessons emerging from Palau's experience in MSP and the importance of institutional and human resource capacity to ensure that ocean initiatives are implemented.
