By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Feb. 25, 2026) – The Belau Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (BANGO) and Palau Conservation Society (PCS) opened the Cheldebechel Forum with a panel discussion highlighting the causes of Palau’s ongoing drug crisis and the role communities must play in addressing it. The opening panel, moderated by Joleen Ngoriak and titled […]
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Breaking the Silence: Gender-Based Violence Demands Urgent National Attention
By: Ngeldei Tulop Koror, Palau (Feb. 26, 2026) — The atmosphere inside the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center was heavy at times, reflective at others, but always urgent. Yesterday’s Cheldebechel Forum confronted one of Palau’s most difficult conversations — gender-based violence — with a clarity and courage that left little room for denial. Gender-based violence (GBV) is […]
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Palau Families Battle High Costs for Food Security, Jodean Says: ‘Plant Now for the Future Harvest’
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — In Palau’s pricey island economy, households grapple with soaring costs that threaten long-term food security, but community leaders like Chief of Agriculture Jodean Remengesau see a path forward through homegrown solutions and traditional wisdom. Taro (kukau), a local crop promoted for food security. Photo credit: Island Times “In Palau’s […]
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Quad supports first open RAN deployment in Palau
KOROR, 25 FEBRUARY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The U.S Trade and Development Agency announced that Palau’s national telecommunications provider, the Palau National Communications Corp., has selected trusted vendors, including three U.S suppliers, to provide technology for a secure nationwide 4G/5G mobile network, based on the results of USTDA-funded technical assistance. Deploying these technologies will […]
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Kosrae Conservation & Safety Organization Strengthens Governance and Sets Strategic Direction with Support from The Nature Conservancy
Kosrae Conservation & Safety Organization (KCSO) held a Board Orientation and Development Training followed by a two-day Strategic Action Planning (SAP) workshop from February 3-5 in Kosrae. The sessions brought together KCSO board members and management to strengthen governance and update the organization’s Strategic Action Plan for 2026-2028. The workshops were supported by The Nature […]
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National Security staff authorized to act as police under new presidential order
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 24, 2026) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has issued a directive giving the National Security Coordinator and staff the authority to act as law enforcement officers, saying the move is needed to strengthen Palau’s ability to fight money laundering, transnational crime and foreign interference. Palau National Security Coordinator […]