Governor urges Pacific leaders to support Guam's bid for full PIF membership

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero used a gathering of Pacific leaders in Palau to renew Guam's push for full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum, the region's premier political and economic organization.

According to the Governor's office full membership would strengthen Guam's voice and ability to participate in regional economic, security, governance, environmental and development initiatives across the Blue Pacific.

“Guam comes to this Forum not only to ask, but to contribute. We are proud to be part of this Pacific family, and we will continue standing with you to protect the people, cultures, lands, and oceans that make the Pacific our home,” Gov. Leon Guerrero told PIF members.

The governor recognized that Guam's status as U.S. territory has presented an obstacle in gaining full PIF membership.

“No matter where we stand on the issues that affect us, we are stronger when all voices are heard and considered, regardless of our size, geography, alliances, or political status. Pacific-led solutions can come from Guam just as they can come from anywhere in our region," Leon Guerrero said.

She said having a voice is important, especially when it comes to issues including deep-seabed mining, Guam's strategic role in U.S. military and geopolitical planning across the Indo-Pacific.

“Guam’s limited sovereignty does not mean limited ambition. So, I ask this Forum for your guidance. Help us find the doors that are open to Guam. Help us understand what resources, partnerships, and financing opportunities we can access. We look forward to building that capacity together. The stronger we become together, the stronger our Pacific family becomes,” Leon Guerrero said.

She acknowledged that this is the second year that Guam has been recognized as an Associate Member of the forum but stressed that Guam has "always been" a member of the Pacific family.

Leon Guerrero recalled during the COVID-19 pandemic Guam served as a regional hub for Micronesia to test samples for neighboring islands, helped visitors return to their home countries and shared medicine, treatments and protective equipment as needed.

"That experience reminded us how deeply our islands depend on one another, and how much our economies depend on free and open seas that keep our region connected. We are doing as much as we can with what we have. But like all of you, we have bigger dreams for our island and our people," she said.

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