The President of the Federated States of Micronesia spoke today before the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

His speech comes after Micronesian leaders met with the U.S. President Joe Biden as federal officials reaffirmed their commitments to the Compacts of Free Association. 

The FSM President noted that the FSM joined the U.N. in September 1991 and global leadership needs to help in the battle against climate change, which he said is the single greatest threat to the islands.

“Even as I speak today we are currently in a state of emergency due to the extended drought facing my nation. For us, every degree, every inch of sea level rise, and every delay matters. We continue to call on our global community to step up with stronger and urgent action,” said FSM President Wesley Simina. 

The FSM President said time is running out to address the issue.