FSM, leads regional commitment and global effort on Glasgow Declaration

Much can be said about leadership.  For an emerging tourism destination, the Federated States of Micronesia has demonstrated leadership during the most critical and trying times for the tourism industry. As a member of the SPTO Sustainable Tourism Board Sub Committee, FSM embraced action that supports the transformation of the tourism sector across its four states, the Pacific region and on the global scale.  On 15^th October 2021, the FSM became the first signatory of the SPTO Pacific Leaders Sustainable Tourism Commitment ahead of 3 other nations who signed up after and a further 8 who pledged intentions to sign up during the Council of Ministers Meeting on 28 October 2021.

At the global level, FSM again showed leadership by becoming the first Pacific Island country to be a signatory to the Glasgow Declaration during the launch event at the 26^th Conference of the Parties Side Event in Glasgow.  His Excellency, President Panuelo during his panel statement at the event noted the vulnerability of the Pacific Island people and their livelihoods to the increasing threats of climate change and the important role of the tourism sector in getting behind global efforts to halt temperatures at 1.5 degrees and achieve a Net Zero emission target by 2050.

“The pandemic has given us the opportunity to rethink the way we plan and manage tourism.  Through our Pacific Sustainable Tourism Commitment, FSM will work with the SPTO and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in ensuring that our commitments are followed by actions” he said.  SPTO’s commitment as a launch partner was officially conveyed by His Excellency during the event.  In line with the aspirations of the Pacific Leaders Sustainable Tourism Commitment and the Glasgow Declaration, the SPTO will support FSM and its member countries in translating commitments to action over the next 12 months and encourage greater participation by all stakeholders during this Decade of Action. 

Please direct enquiries to sustainable@spto.org

Image Caption: His Excellency, President Panuelo during his panel statement at the 26th Conference of the Parties Side Event in Glasgow