The Lowy Institute was honoured to host His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jnr, President of the Republic of Palau, to deliver the 2025 FDC Pacific Leaders’ Address.

Since taking office in 2021, President Whipps has been a champion of Pacific leadership on regional security, climate, marine conservation and trade and economic issues.

He shares Palau’s perspective on the evolving strategic landscape in the Pacific, highlighting the impacts of recent geopolitical shifts and competition for regional influence, noting in particular Palau’s recognition of Taiwanese independence and its recently renewed Compact of Free Association with the United States.

He also discusses emerging development partnership realities in the wake of the re-election of US President Donald Trump, the revisiting of US foreign aid relationships, and the new landscape for pursuing Pacific sustainable development objectives, including accelerating the energy transition towards a fossil-fuel-free Pacific, addressing proposals for Pacific deep seabed mining, and advancing climate adaptation and marine conservation efforts.

With Australia bidding to co-host COP31 in 2026 with Pacific Island countries, President Whipps reflects on the critical importance of a real and robust partnership between Australia and its Pacific neighbours in confronting climate change and achieving ambitious and responsible global outcomes amid growing geopolitical headwinds.

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