HAGATNA, Guam — Guam will host the 26th Micronesian Islands Forum from June 3 to 5, the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat confirmed Monday.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. will be absent from the forum, according to a press conference last Thursday. Vice President Uduch Sengebau-Senior will attend in his place. Whipps Jr. cited a pre-scheduled trip to Japan as the reason for his absence.
Officials from the MIF Secretariat say leaders from all other member countries are expected to attend.
Micronesia’s current chairman, President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia, will convene the meeting before handing over the gavel to incoming Chairwoman, Guam Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero.
The draft agenda includes follow-up discussions from committees on regional tourism, transportation, trade, ocean and the economy, with a dedicated session planned for Digitization and Cybersecurity.