The 26th Micronesian Islands Forum wrapped up Tuesday. Leaders of island nations and territories in Micronesia gathered this week at the Hyatt Regency Guam for the annual gathering. 

They discussed a range of issues, including invasive species, climate change, cyber security, and travel. 

“My takeaway is that this is a very strong, formidable, official, and very influential forum for our Micronesian island leaders of the North Pacific,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. 

“To be more effective we need to invest in good management and staff and we need to invest in each other and in this shared forum that we are stronger on the global stage,” said Northern Marianas Islands Governor Arnold Palacios. 

Gov. Leon Guerrero echoed the need for a Secretary General who would help respond to the expanding needs of the regional body. The regional leaders will reconvene next year in the Marshall Islands.