THE 17th Micronesian Chief Executives’ Summit has resulted in a drive for a “One Micronesia” vision. This meeting was an important opportunity for us to establish personal ties with one another – as leaders of a region with so much potential.

I think one of the most important things to take away from this summit is the realization that we are one people. Micronesia is a place where people can go from community to community, island to island, and find a place to settle down and call home. Though there are some challenges, no one can deny that your leaders care. It doesn’t matter if you’re a student from the Republic of the Marshall Islands going to school on Guam, I can assure you that President Loeak still has your best interests in mind. If you’re a struggling family who just moved to Guam from Palau – the work I do here is for everyone who calls this island home.

This summit reminds us that Micronesia truly is one community. Though many miles of ocean separate us geographically, it’s this same ocean that unites us. There is so much opportunity for each of us to build upon as individual and unique islands of the Pacific, and as one people of Micronesia.

The summit has given us a chance to talk about critical concerns with one another and with our federal partners from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs. I raised issues such as mitigating the impact of FAS migrants to Guam. We talked about implementing educational programs for incoming migrants and flexibility in terms of spending Compact Impact funds.

It’s clear that our brothers and sisters throughout Micronesia share the same concerns. On some level or another, we are facing the same challenges. Whether it’s making sure our people have access to quality health care, or whether it’s marketing our tourism industry to the world, the summit reinforced the need for us to work together – to build the momentum for a “One Micronesia” vision.

On behalf of my fellow leaders, I’d like to thank all of the presenters who took time from their busy schedules to share their ideas and solutions with us. They brought new perspectives about building a sustainable workforce throughout Micronesia, as well as ideas for regional healthcare integration. Some came from off-island to talk about protecting our natural resources from invasive species, and some were business leaders in our community who shared ideas for renewable energy resources, building an agricultural industry, promoting regional tourism, and establishing an economic development strategy that gives everyone an opportunity to succeed.

Our agenda included a diverse group of industry leaders with extensive backgrounds. The work they’ve done and the ideas they’ve contributed have helped Micronesia’s chief executives draft the foundation of a communiqué, along with action-oriented resolutions we will commit to following through with – together.

My fellow Guamanians and my fellow Micronesians, your leaders are committed to moving ahead. We realize the potential for this region and we’re ready to work hard to turn today's challenges into opportunities for you and your families.