Palau president to speak at 13th World Ocean Summit

Surangel Whipps Jr.

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Koror—President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. will discuss how science and technology can help Palau and small island nations better steward the oceans and safeguard the security of vast EEZs at the 13th World Ocean Summit.

Under the theme “Innovate, Protect, Prosper: Securing Our Ocean Future,” the summit brings together global leaders, experts and innovators to shape

 the future of ocean governance and the blue economy.

The Economist is hosting the forum, which will be held from March 4 to 5 in Montreal, Canada.

Whipps will share Palau’s vision for an ocean future built on innovation, 

sustainable management, and international collaboration. 

He will emphasize the need for inclusive access to marine technology, stronger science-based protection for deep-sea ecosystems and a blue economy that

prioritizes both conservation and community prosperity.

“As small island nations, we are custodians of vast ocean areas that sustain the planet,” Whipps said. “Palau is showing that innovation and stewardship can go

 hand in hand to secure a future where people and nature thrive together.”

Ahead of Palau’s hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum and ongoing preparations for COP31, Whipps will also call for stronger partnerships with governments, the

 private sector and philanthropic institutions to enhance the Pacific’s leadership

 on ocean and climate action. (Office of the President of Palau)

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