Guam seeks full membership in Pacific Islands Forum
- Admin
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Koror—Guam, currently an associate member of the Pacific Islands Forum, is seeking full-time membership in the influential regional organization.
“We are stronger when all voices are heard and considered regardless of our size, geography, alliances, or political status,” Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said, addressing the Forum on Sept. 1
This is Guam's second year of participation as an associate member, following the Forum's approval of the territory's bid for a status upgrade in 2024.
Before becoming an associate member, Guam, along with American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands, sat on the periphery as observers.
In 2024, the U.S. government agreed to allow the three U.S. territories to join the Forum as non-voting associate members, modifying an old policy that previously barred their participation in international organizations in "any capacity."
Full membership, however, has been an elusive target for the U.S. Pacific territories due to their non-self-governing status. Except for New Caledonia and French Polynesia—both French territories—the 16 other Forum members are sovereign states.
“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,” Leon Guerrero said.
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Leon Guerrero said full membership would strengthen Guam’s ability to participate in regional initiatives involving economic development, trade, climate resilience, ocean stewardship, connectivity, and access to partnerships and resources available through the Forum and its regional network.
“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," she said.
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Leon Guerrero also called particular attention to the deep seabed mining issue and Guam’s strategic role in U.S. military and geopolitical planning across the Indo-Pacific region.
She framed both issues within the broader context of Guam’s political status and the importance of ensuring that Pacific communities have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them.
“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," the governor said.
"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,” she added.
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