Jaap van Hierden stated that the inhabitants of remote Pacific islands are determined to remain in their ancestral homes, even if they are at risk of disappearing. As the first UN Resident Coordinator for the North Pacific, van Hierden oversees development efforts in a region of thousands of small islands with small populations, which are the caretakers of a vast expanse of ocean and land stretching over 7,000 km from Palau to Kiritimati island. He spoke to UN News before the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda, where he explained the creation of the UN Multi-Country Office (MCO) Micronesia, which is now home to 13 UN agencies.
The region, with its mostly undeveloped and pristine environment, is not well-known and is not a popular tourist destination except for Palau. Despite receiving some funding from the US, the five countries in the region – Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, and Kiribati – often feel overlooked and neglected by the global community. This led to a need for greater engagement between Micronesian leaders and the UN, which resulted in a review of UN multi-country offices and the establishment of the UN Resident Coordinator position.
Upon arriving, van Hierden quickly learned that Micronesians are on the frontlines of climate change, with Marshall Islands and Kiribati at risk of disappearing due to rising sea levels. This also applies to the low-lying outer islands of Palau and Micronesia’s four states – Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. Micronesians have been at the forefront of the fight against climate change, advocating for a holistic approach to addressing vulnerability. They have also contributed to discussions on “loss and damages” in order to effectively adapt to the effects of climate change.
Encouragingly, they have taken steps to protect their vast oceanic territory by establishing marine protected areas and UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves. However, Micronesians are dispersed across small islands with small populations, making it difficult for them to have the same economies of scale, skills, and resources as larger countries or subregions.
Nevertheless, as caretakers of the ocean and sea floor, it is crucial that they are not left vulnerable. Van Hierden is pleased that the UN is increasing its engagement in Micronesia to ensure that no one is left behind and to help build a better future for all. Within two years of arriving in Pohnpei in late 2021, the UN MCO Micronesia was established, with country coordination offices now in place for Palau, Marshall Islands, Nauru, and Kiribati, as well as a fully functioning Resident Coordinator Office.
The new office has allowed UN organizations to decentralize their work from Fiji and Samoa to Pohnpei, resulting in the expansion of the UN’s presence from five to 13 agencies. Van Hierden has also worked closely with the governments of Micronesia and Pohnpei to plan and construct the carbon-neutral One UN Micronesia House, which will incorporate Micronesian history and culture into its design. This will include a conference facility to host UN events and allow Micronesian leaders to engage with international leaders and experts on their home turf.
Being on the ground has given van Hierden a better understanding of the developmental and humanitarian challenges and opportunities in each of the five Micronesian countries and four states. To effectively convey this within the UN team, he frequently travels and engages with government officials, embassies, development partners, civil society, faith-based leaders, chambers of commerce, and communities.
Together, they aim for transformational change that leaves no one behind and creates a better future for all, where our planet, with its finite natural resources and unique biodiversity, is a key stakeholder. To learn more about the UN’s work in Micronesia, click here.