Leaders from Micronesia's island states are on Saipan this week attending the 23rd Micronesia Islands Forum.
The waters near Bird Island lookout in Saipan Photo: RNZI / Mark Rabago
The three-day event is hosted by the Northern Marianas Governor, Ralph Torres, who was voted chair of the forum yesterday, succeeding Guam's Governor Eddie Calvo.
Other leaders attending include Palau's President Tommy Remengesau, President Peter Christian of the Federated States of Micronesia and Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine.
Chuuk Governor Johnson Elimo, Pohnpei Governor Marcelo Peterson, Kosrae's Carson Sigrah, and Yap's Governor James Yangetmai are also in the mix
Items up for discussions include impacts of globalisation; decolonisation and self-governance, as well as building relationships between Pacific US territories and the Freely Associated States.