KOROR, Palau — The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Government of Palau signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 17, 2025, to establish the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) in Palau. The agreement was finalized in Koror after the inauguration of Palau’s President, Surangel Whipps Jr.
The MOU sets out hosting arrangements for the OPOC, which will relocate from Suva, Fiji, to Palau. The decision to establish the office in Palau was approved by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders during their 2023 Special Leaders Retreat in Nadi, Fiji. At that meeting, Dr. Filimon Manoni was appointed as the Pacific Ocean Commissioner.
“Today marks an important day as we signed the host agreement in line with the decisions of the Forum Leaders taken in 2022 and 2023,” said Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa. “We will continue to support Palau’s leadership and initiatives on Ocean at the regional and global levels.”
Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr. Manoni said the agreement was a significant step for the OPOC. “The signing of the MOU marks another important milestone for OPOC as it establishes itself in Palau and continues to serve the Blue Pacific Continent. It is an honor to witness the signing of this MOU on this important day, the President’s Inauguration,” he said.
President Whipps and Secretary General Waqa expressed their support for the OPOC and its transition to Palau. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to supporting the office’s efforts to address ocean-related challenges and regional priorities.
The New Atoll 
Leave a comment