Press Release

UN Agencies and FSM Government Launch Joint Programme to Accelerate SDG Implementation

07 February 2025

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia – February 7, 2025

UNOPS, in collaboration with UN Global Pulse, ESCAP and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), has launched the “Advancing SDGs Monitoring and Governance to Accelerate Implementation” joint programme. Led by the UN Resident Coordinator in Micronesia, with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office serving as the focal point, this initiative is funded by the UN Sustainable Development Group and aims to strengthen local governance while enhancing FSM’s capacity to monitor and implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Through innovative solutions and large-scale capacity building, the project will equip FSM’s local governments with advocacy tools, digital monitoring solutions, and improved governance frameworks to localize and accelerate SDG achievement.

Photo courtesy of UNOPS.

 

Strengthening Local Governance Through Capacity Building and Digital Innovation

The joint programme will focus on empowering FSM’s state and local governments to take a leading role in SDG implementation by combining advocacy, governance improvements, and digital transformation.

The initiative will:

  • Enhance stakeholder advocacy capacity by training local government officials, personnel, and community leaders across FSM’s four states to champion local SDG action.
  • Strengthen partnerships between state governments and civil society organizations to promote inclusive, participatory SDG advocacy.
  • Develop a data-driven digital solution to track SDG progress, enhance policy decisions, and improve the effectiveness of development investments.

A Collaborative Effort to Drive SDG Progress

This joint programme reflects a strong partnership between the FSM Government and UN agencies, reinforcing their shared commitment to accelerating sustainable development through governance innovation, digital transformation, and strengthened stakeholder engagement.

"This project is a major step forward in equipping local governments with the tools and data they need to lead sustainable development efforts," said Gemma Marie I. Carnacete, UNOPS Project Manager. "By working together and embracing digital innovation, we’re setting the stage for real, lasting progress in SDG implementation."

"Pacific SIDS face unique challenges in localizing the SDGs, from resource constraints to climate vulnerabilities. Strengthening local governance and building capacity at the state levels is critical to ensuring that sustainable development is both inclusive and effective. Through this Joint SDG Fund project, we aim to bridge the gap between global commitments and local action, linking FSM’s efforts to broader regional processes that drive resilience and prosperity across the Pacific." said Andie Fong Toy, Head of ESCAP’s Pacific Office.

“Through this joint programme, we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the UN network in supporting the government of FSM to co-develop technology-enabled solutions that are aligned with their needs. By supporting a user-centred and data-informed approach, we aim to enhance SDG implementation in ways that are meaningful and sustainable.” said Ahmed El Saeed, Regional Head of UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific.

By investing in local governance, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and digital solutions, FSM is taking a major step toward ensuring effective SDG implementation and long-term development impact.

**ENDS**

 

About UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more at www.unops.org and follow UNOPS on Facebook, Twitter, InstagramLinkedIn, YouTube and WhatsApp.

 

About ESCAP

The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region. The Commission promotes cooperation among its 53 member States and 9 associate members in pursuit of solutions to sustainable development challenges. ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations.

 

The ESCAP secretariat supports inclusive, resilient and sustainable development in the region by generating action-oriented knowledge, and by providing technical assistance and capacity-building services in support of national development objectives, regional agreements and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 

About UN Global Pulse

UN Global Pulse is the Secretary-General’s Innovation Lab. We work at the intersection of innovation and the human sciences to inform, inspire and strengthen the ability of the United Nations family and those it serves to anticipate, respond and adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Ffion Conlon

Ffion Conlon

UNOPS
Communications Officer

UN entities involved in this initiative

RCO
United Nations Resident Coordinator Office
UN ESCAP
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
UNOPS
United Nations Office for Project Services

Goals we are supporting through this initiative