KOROR, Palau — The Mechesil Belau Conference, marking its 30th anniversary, has for the first time publicly disclosed its financial report, revealing significant expenditures, high-profile participation, and 34 resolutions for Palau’s National Congress (OEK) to consider.

In 2023, the Palau national government allocated $100,000 to support the conference, a three-day event held from Oct. 3-5. While Mechesil Belau has received government funding for more than a decade, this marks the first time it has been mandated to provide a financial report detailing how the funds were used.

Financial Breakdown

According to the report, the organization received a total of $131,000 in monetary contributions, including:

• $100,000 from the Palau national government
• $30,000 from Taiwan’s Council of Indigenous Peoples

In addition, it received $140,423 in in-kind donations from national government agencies, embassies, diplomats, state governments, and traditional groups.

Expenditures from the $131,000 in monetary donations included:

• $63,000 for the publication of a Mechesil Belau book
• $35,000 for food, beverages, and entertainment
• $8,000 for services from companies and individuals
• $7,500 for supplies and materials
• $2,500 for printing and reproduction costs
• $1,500 for entertainment
• $1,000 for POL
• $1,500 for filming (live stream)
• $1,5000 for still photo
• $2,000 for decoration
• $3,500 for meetings
• $4,000 for utilities and waste management

The $140,423 in in-kind contributions covered food donations from women in each state, support from state governments, travel and hosting expenses, cultural performances, boat and ranger escorts, and live streaming services.

Conference Highlights and Policy Proposals

The conference gathered over 500 participants and featured local and regional leaders. Notable speakers included Carmen Cantor, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs; Therese Terlaje, Speaker of the Guam Legislature; and Akiku Haisum, Chief Secretary of Taiwan’s Council of Indigenous Peoples.

Over the past 30 years, Mechesil Belau has influenced numerous laws in Palau. This year, the organization presented 34 resolutions addressing issues related to culture, land, traditional practices, health, education, drug enforcement, and law enforcement.

Key proposals included:

• Reopening land claims to allow original landowners to reclaim lands or taro patches currently held by state governments.
• Establishing traditional courts to oversee cultural and customary disputes.
• Strengthening legal protections for traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.

While not all resolutions were directed at the OEK, many served as reminders of the importance of preserving traditional practices and values.

The event concluded with a Rock Island trip, following two days of full conference sessions. (By: L.N. Reklai)