Koror, Palau - Munkhtuya Altangerel, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji, formally presented her letter of credentials to the Honorable Gustav N. Aitaro, Minister of State of the Republic of Palau, in a meeting held at the Department of Foreign Affairs.  

This occasion reaffirmed UNDP Pacific’s commitment to the long-standing partnership with the Government of Palau, a collaboration that has been nurtured since the signing of the Standard Basic Assistance Agreement in 2008.

During the meeting, Altangerel conveyed deep appreciation for over four decades of successful collaboration with the North Pacific. She highlighted the establishment of a new UNDP sub-office in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, which opened in October 2021 and is poised to support projects in Palau. The office is nearing full capacity with 13 staff members, and recruitment in Palau is underway to fill key positions on the ground.

“UNDP remains committed to serving as a steadfast partner to the government and people of Palau on their journey towards sustainable development, accountable governance and institutions, and inclusive blue and green economic growth. This long-term partnership is built on mutual respect and trust, ensuring sustained progress for generations to come,” she said.  

Discussions focused on future areas of collaboration, particularly in advancing initiatives that align with Palau’s national development priorities which include Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Fisheries, Blue Economy, Trade, Health, Anti-corruption, Parliamentary Support, and Public Financial Management.

This meeting also sought support from the Ministry of State for the upcoming Annual Programme Review, scheduled for 13 September. This review is intended to facilitate high-level engagement and strengthen collaboration further.  

Minister Aitaro expressed his appreciation to the Resident Representative by acknowledging UNDP’s contributions to efforts in Palau on areas of good governance, gender-based initiatives, and climate change.

Both officials agreed that an integrated approach to deliver and implement these endeavors at the community level can be managed more efficiently through a holistic package as such issues are interrelated to one another. The purpose of an all-in-one package can ensure that the local community and other relevant stakeholders can streamline their work to avoid duplicative and complex processes that generally affects the limited capacity faced with small island developing states such as Palau in executing work efforts.

Furthermore, the Resident Representative suggested working with three or four Pacific Island States during the margins of COP 29 to host a side event on climate finance and the Pacific Resilience Facility. The Minister noted the request with enthusiasm and thanked the Resident Representative and her team for the visit and received the letter of credentials.

UNDP Pacific remains committed to supporting Palau’s development aspirations and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Palau in fostering a prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable future for all.

For more information please contact:  

Nicholas Turner | Communication and Advocacy Specialist | nicholas.turner@undp.org