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American Samoa Government - PR001-05182026
Posted: May 18, 2026
American Samoa Attended the 6th Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Minister’s Meeting - “Scaling Connectivity for a Prosperous Blue Pacific” May 4th-8th, 2026
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – Pacific Energy and Transport Ministers have concluded the Sixth Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers’ Meeting (PRETMM6), issuing the Manubada Call to Action to accelerate access to energy and scale maritime transport for Pacific people. Representing American Samoa were ODAPM Director Lologa Olo, and ASPA representative Mr. Ryan Tuato’o.
Hosted by the Government of Papua New Guinea under the theme “Scaling Connectivity for a Prosperous Blue Pacific,” the meeting brought together Ministers and senior officials from across the Pacific, alongside regional organizations, development partners, academia, industry, private sector representatives, and civil society.
From Commitments to Implementation
Ministers emphasized the region has robust policy frameworks and commitments in place, and the priority must shift decisively toward implementation and delivery of tangible results for energy security and maritime connectivity.
Advancing an Integrated and Just Transition
Ministers reaffirmed their collective ambition to achieve a 100% renewable energy future for the Blue Pacific, alongside a just and equitable transition toward a fossil fuel-free region, ensuring no country is left behind.
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They also welcomed progress toward establishing a Regional Energy Commissioner for a Just Transition, to be taken to the 55th Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting later this year.
Strengthening Partnerships and Coordination
A key outcome of the meeting was a strong call for enhanced coordination and transparency across development partners, with Ministers highlighting persistent fragmentation and limited visibility of financing flows.
Ministers tasked the Pacific Community (SPC) to lead the coordination and development of a comprehensive regional mapping of partner initiatives, financing and support mechanisms to improve alignment, reduce duplication, and better support targeted priority gaps. They also emphasised that all partnerships must remain anchored in Pacific leadership and aligned with regional frameworks and national priorities.
Unlocking Finance for Scaled Impact
Ministers called for predictable and accessible financing to scale access to energy and maritime transport.
Ministers called for:
• Increased grant-based and concessional financing
• A shift toward programmatic, long-term investment approaches.
• Stronger support for grid readiness, data systems and regulatory frames
• Investment in productive energy use and sustainable operations.
Endorsement of Key Regional Frameworks Ministers endorsed regional initiatives, including:
• The Pacific One-Maritime Framework (POMF) 2026–2050, as the guiding blueprint for a safe, secure, resilient and sustainable maritime transport sector.
• The Regional Strategy for Pacific Women in Maritime 2026–2031, promoting gender inclusion and workforce development. • The transition to FESRIP 2.0 – The Framework for Energy Security and Resilience in the Pacific with a focus on implementation, system readiness, and measurable delivery of renewable energy targets. Ministers also reaffirmed the importance of protecting seafarer welfare, maritime safety, and regional connectivity, recognizing maritime transport as a lifeline for Pacific communities.
Delivering for Pacific Peoples
Ministers concluded the meeting by reaffirming their collective commitment to ensure that the outcomes of PRETMM6 translate into real, measurable benefits for Pacific peoples, including improved energy access, strengthened connectivity, and increased resilience to economic and climate shocks.
Looking Ahead
Ministers noted that outcomes from PRETMM6 will feed into upcoming regional and global engagements, including the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, to sustain momentum and mobilize greater international support for Pacific-led priorities. Ministers endorsed and welcomed Solomon Islands as incoming Chair and host of the 7th Pacific Energy and Transport Ministers Meeting in 2029.
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