The Eighth States and National Leadership Conference (SNLC) held at the College of Micronesia (COM) FSM Gym in Palikir, Pohnpei.

The Eighth SNLC officially opened on Thursday morning, January 29, 2015, at the College of Micronesia (COM) FSM Gym, Palikir, Pohnpei.  During the two-day conference, the SNLC Principals discussed critical issues for the economic and social development of the FSM including: 2023 Framework and Action Plan, investment facilitation, policy drafts on tourism development and debt management, Center for Micronesian Empowerment, and overseas development assistance through the FSM-China bilateral on trade and commerce.  

This FSM SNLC Session was attended by the following National and State Delegations comprised of the FSM President, H.E. Emanuel Mori, Govenor John Ehsa, and Lt. Governor Marcelo Peterson of the State of Pohnpei, Lt. Governor Marius Akapito of the State of Chuuk, Lt. Governor James Yangetmai of the State of Yap, Speakers Tulensa Palik of State of Kosrae, Fernando Scaliem of the State of Pohnpei, House of Representatives Floor Leader Asaichy Sana and Senate Chairman Nelson Stephen of the Chuuk State Legislature, and the Honorable Associate Justice Beauleen Carl-Worswick of the FSM Supreme Court, Chief Justices Aliksa Aliksa of Kosrae State Court,  Camillo Noket of Chuuk State Court and Benjamin Rodriguez of Pohnpei State Court.

Also present were Members of the State Legislatures, National and State Cabinet Members, members of the Diplomatic Missions and International and Regional Organizations, representatives from the private sector and supporting staff.

The 8^th FSM SNLC was chaired by Hon. Ehsa, Governor of Pohnpei State, and assisted by Hon. Akaptio, Lt. Governor of Chuuk State, as vice-chair.  The Principals of this Conference adopted two Resolutions on 2023 Action Plan and air transportation. The 8th FSM SNLC also agreed to endorse the 2014 FSM Investment Guide and the Draft National Tourism Policy and State Tourism Investment Plans and urged the FSM Department of R&D to finalize these in collaboration with State Governments.

One prevailing consensus throughout the 8th SNLC deliberations was the need for the Five Government to work together as the Nation devises the best strategy to address its challenges moving toward 2023. In this regards, President Mori urged States and National Leaders to remain committed to the legacy of the Founding Fathers of the FSM and to work collectively toward building an ever stronger and unified Nation.

The Communiqué and Resolutions were signed by the five Heads of Delegations for the 8^th FSM SNLC which concluded the Conference on January 30, 2015. 

For details, please contact the SNLC Secretariat, Department of Resources and Development, by email: fsmrd@fsmrd.fm or telephone: +691 320-2620/2646/5133.