UN@80: The United Nations Marks 80 Years of Partnership and Progress

For the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, and Palau, the UN’s 80th anniversary is deeply intertwined with their own stories of independence, resilience, and self-determination. From the period of the United Nations Trusteeship to the present day, the UN has stood as a partner to Pacific island nations in advancing sustainable development and global cooperation.

Accelerating Action for a Sustainable Future

The 80th anniversary is not only a commemoration, it is a call to action. The UN in Micronesia continues to work closely with national governments, civil society, youth, and development partners to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Across the Micronesian region, the UN supports national efforts to:

• Strengthen health and education systems;
• Expand access to renewable energy and resilient infrastructure;
• Promote gender equality and eliminate gender-based violence;
• Empower young people with opportunities to thrive at home, within their island nations;
• Advance inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of public life; and
• Drive climate action and justice to protect people and the planet.

Climate Action and Justice for Small Island Developing States

The climate crisis remains the greatest existential threat to the region. The UN is supporting the governments of Micronesia and their regional partners to strengthen adaptation, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, while ensuring the voices of Pacific islanders are heard on the global stage.

Through advocacy at global forums such as COP30, the UN continues to amplify the message of Small Island Developing States (SIDS): that those least responsible for the climate emergency are often the most affected.

“The peoples of Micronesia are the guardians of our planet, protecting oceans, cultures, and ways of life that remind the world what it means to live in balance with nature,” said the UN Resident Coordinator for Micronesia, Mamadou Kane. “The United Nations stands with these nations in advancing climate justice and ensuring that no one, and no island, is left behind.”

Inclusion, Equality, and the Pact for the Future

At the heart of the UN’s work in Micronesia is the belief that development must be inclusive - empowering people living on outer islands, women and girls, youth, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups to contribute to decisions that shape their communities.

This spirit is reflected in the global Pact for the Future, which renews international cooperation to deliver the SDGs, reform multilateral institutions, and safeguard human rights for generations to come.

“Now, more than ever, we must recommit to multilateralism and to the collective effort required to solve problems no nation can solve alone. The Pacific inspires us all, in the way cooperation, compassion, and community can chart a new course for humanity across the four pillars of the 2030 Agenda: People, Planet, Prosperity, and Peace.” UN Resident Coordinator Micronesia Mamadou Kane added. 

A Shared Commitment to the Future

As the UN turns 80, it reaffirms its partnership with all five Micronesian countries, working side by side to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies. Through joint initiatives on climate resilience, gender equality, health, education, and good governance, the UN continues its commitment to ensure that no one, and no island, is left behind.

🎥 Watch the UN Resident Coordinator’s video message for UN Day 2025 here: