Ambassador Orikasa attends SLIP Briefing Seminar Held to Enhance OEK’s Institutional

A briefing seminar for Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) members and staff, as a part of the Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific Island Countries (SLIP) project supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Government of Japan, was held at Palau Royal Resort from June 23 to 25. Bringing together key members of Palau’s legislative leadership and international partners, the event served as a space of dialogue for good governance and institutional development to facilitate more inclusive and effective decision-making.

Kicked off with the opening remarks from Hon. Kerai Mariur, Floor Leader of the Senate and H.E. ORIKASA Hiroyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Palau, discussion on the first day focused on the institutional structure of the OEK, including its mandate, legislative process, and the code of ethics, to share recognition of current challenges. On the second day, sessions were held to discuss strategic planning, including digitalization, and budget deliberations, respectively. There were also opportunities to exchange views with national stakeholders and civil society. On the final day, policy briefings on seven key areas including media and identifying misinformation, economic development, marine conservation and fisheries were held.

In his opening remarks on the June 23, Ambassador Hiroyuki Orikasa, appreciated the OEK for its dedicated contribution to the Palauan people and the international community, including Japan, and emphasized the need to enhance institutional capacity of the Congress to fulfill its responsibility in this challenging global context. Among others, he stressed that the digitalization of the OEK will contribute to make the OEK service more accessible, simple, and convenient for Palauan people. Ambassador Orikasa concluded with the hope that the SLIP project will deepen the friendship and mutual trust between Japan and Palau, and to work together to achieve the common targets including the realization of electronic passports and visa waivers, and the approval of the PNMS Revision Bill for secure continuity of fishing activity by Okinawa fishing boats.

In attendance were Hon. Kerai Mariur, Floor Leader of the Senate, accompanied by senators and Hon. Warren S. Umetaro, Floor Leader of the House of Delegates, accompanied by members from the House of Delegates. Also present were Hon. Tina Rose Muña Barnes, Senator of Guam, and Mr. Rustam Pulatov, Team Leader of Effective Governance and Inclusive Growth at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The seminar marked a step forward to enhance legislative institutional capacity of the OEK and create a greater and stronger future of Palau.