EU and FSM Launch Landmark Water and Sanitation Governance Project

The kick-off meeting was attended by the Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, H.E. Barbara Plinkert, alongside Secretary Elina Akinaga of the Department of Resources and Development, Assistant Secretary Herman Semes, Jr., Foreign Service Officer Truman Mallarme, representatives from the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management (DECEM), and Mr. William Kostka of the Pacific Community (SPC). The event celebrated FSM's leadership and ownership of the initiative, which aims to build resilient water governance systems in response to growing climate and development challenges.

With an initial investment of EUR 3 million (approx. USD 3.5 million), the project will establish a dedicated Water Unit within FSM's Department of Resources and Development, develop the country's first national water policy and regulatory framework, and strengthen institutional capacity through training and strategic planning. These efforts will help ensure water security for future generations and improve coordination between national and state-level actors.

Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Plinkert highlighted the EU's commitment to supporting FSM's priorities:

"Water is life. It underpins public health, education, food security, and economic development. The EU is proud to stand with FSM in strengthening water governance and building climate resilience."

The FSM WASH project is fully aligned with the EU's Global Gateway strategy, which promotes sustainable, trusted investments that connect policy reform with infrastructure delivery. In this spirit, the EU has already committed an additional EUR 6 million to support future water and sanitation infrastructure in FSM - reinforcing its role as the largest donor to WASH in the Pacific region.

The EU also welcomed FSM's strong ownership of the initiative and reaffirmed its long-term support, including potential collaboration with partners such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank to expand impact and mobilize further resources.

Together, these efforts form a comprehensive cycle of support - from governance reform to infrastructure delivery - aimed at improving lives, strengthening resilience, and advancing sustainable development across FSM.

Kalahngan and thank you.

(ENDS)