The Federated States of Micronesia is an important United States partner in advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Our relationship is based on mutual respect, shared history, and common values of strength through diversity, fairness, and freedom.

OUR WORK

The U.S. and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) have a close and unique relationship underpinned by the Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreement. As the world’s premier development agency, USAID’s programs in the FSM address the environment and climate change, disaster preparedness, fisheries, health, and democracy and governance. USAID works closely with Micronesian government organizations, non-government organizations, multilateral agencies, and the private sector towards shared development goals. USAID also works in close coordination with fellow U.S. government agencies at Embassy Kolonia, which offer a range of critical public services and assistance for the people of the FSM.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

The U.S. government works with Australia and Japan to improve internet connectivity by providing funding to build a new undersea cable that will connect Kosrae in FSM, Nauru, and Tarawa in Kiribati with the existing HANTRU-1 cable at Pohnpei in FSM, providing internet connectivity through a submarine cable for the first time. With an estimated cost of $95 million, inclusive of capital works, project management, and technical assistance, the proposed undersea cable will provide faster, higher quality, and more reliable and secure communications to approximately 100,000 people across the FSM, Kiribati, and Nauru. This will support increased economic growth, drive development opportunities, and help to improve living standards as the region recovers from the severe impacts of COVID-19. USAID is providing legal and technical support to this project.

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

USAID bolsters the human and institutional capacity of Micronesian communities, non-governmental organizations, civil society, governments, and regional institutions to adapt to the effects of climate change. USAID’s community-level activities serve as models for replication and scale-up by national governments, regional institutions, and other donors and stakeholders. U.S. assistance supports improving solid waste management, disaster preparedness, fisheries, and innovative adaptation measures undertaken by civil society organizations.

CROSS-CUTTING

USAID is strengthening the capacity of locally established civil society organizations in the Pacific to address the second order impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. USAID assistance supports communities to increase their resilience to disasters and climate risks, enhance their livelihoods, increase food security, improve access to water, bolster health and education, improve governance, manage natural resources more sustainably, and conserve vital biodiversity.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Climate and disaster risks are existential threats to Pacific Island countries. USAID is strengthening the resources and systems that the FSM needs to prepare for and address the effects of climate change and disasters.

HEALTH

Micronesian communities have suffered greatly from COVID-19, and USAID has provided support to the FSM since the beginning of the pandemic. USAID has provided technical assistance to vaccine deployment efforts and procurement of emergency commodities and supplies.

DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE

USAID is helping to sustain peace and stability in the FSM by promoting democratic values and good governance. USAID will work with the national and state governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and women’s groups to promote open, transparent, and peaceful elections.