Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero is in Majuro this week representing Guam at the 2025 Micronesian Islands Forum (MIF), where she delivered her opening remarks and formally concluded Guam’s term as Chair. The Chairmanship now passes to President Hilda Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
“It has truly been an honor to serve as the Chair of the Micronesian Islands Forum,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “Reflecting on the past year, I am inspired by what we have achieved together and the bonds we have forged.”
Under her leadership, the Forum secured $400,000 from the U.S. Department of the Interior to establish a permanent Secretariat, expanded Green Growth initiatives across several jurisdictions, and championed Micronesian priorities at the United Nations and other global platforms.
“This funding isn’t just numbers on a page; it represents a commitment to our collective future—a future where our voices are not only heard but heeded,” she said. “We also drafted the Gender Equality Framework, paving the way for a future where everyone has equal opportunities.”
In her opening remarks, Governor Leon Guerrero introduced Guam’s resolution calling for the creation of a regional medical complex. “Imagine…a state-of-the-art medical complex that serves as a centralized hub for comprehensive medical services, including preventive care, emergency response, specialty treatment, and public health research,” she said. “This vision is not merely an aspiration. It aligns directly with our shared goals.”
She also called attention to the need to uplift discussions of decolonization and Guam’s political status. She stated, “The next several days stand as pivotal moments for us to elevate the discussion of decolonization… Let us create a future where every islander has the freedom to shape their destiny.”
Before passing the gavel to President Heine, Governor Leon Guerrero issued a warm invitation to Kiribati to rejoin the Forum, saying, “When you join us, our Micronesian family will be whole, and our strength will be magnified. Together, let us continue to chart a course toward a brighter, more sustainable future for every island and every person in our beloved region,” she concluded.
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