National consultation on integrated border management commences in Palau

February 15, 2023

Participants from the Government of Palau and UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji have met to discuss Palau’s border management strategy.

Photo: UNDP

Koror, Palau - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji has conducted in-depth consultations in Koror to further shape the strategic vision of the country’s coordinating body for border management, at the request of the Government of Palau.

This work is being undertaken with thanks to support from the Government of Japan and its Integrated Border Management (IBM) Project. Palau, alongside Fiji and Vanuatu, are being supported to reinforce their capacities, capabilities and systems for effective and efficient movement of travelers and cargo, and to strengthen links for data and knowledge sharing, inter-agency and cross-regional cooperation.

In 2022, UNDP supported an initial consultation in the country, helping to facilitate the preparation of an Executive Order for the Government of Palau which established a Coordinating Body for IBM. Based on the country needs, UNDP agree to support An IBM Assessment for the Government of Palau and supporting the Coordinating Body to accelerate efficient border management.

The Executive Order, which was approved by the President in September 2022, will continue to help empower agencies to streamline processes, allow for the efficient processing of passengers promptly, and for the authorization of cross-agency collaboration and information sharing.

This latest national consultation saw an institutional assessment of key border management agencies conducted, as well as an in-depth discussion on future priorities for the Coordinating Body for IBM, its strategic objectives, and associated border management risks and challenges. Efforts to further digitize border management processes were also a key priority area of discussion, along with the possible establishment of a Joint Border Risk Assessment Centre for Palau.

Japan’s Ambassador to Palau, H.E. Orikasa Hiroyuki, delivering his opening remarks.

Photo: UNDP

Participants from the Government of Palau at the opening session of the two-day consultation.

Photo: UNDP

Japanese Ambassador to the Republic of Palau, H.E. Orikasa Hiroyuki, opened the consultation and highlighted his government’s commitment to the region in regard to safety and security at its borders.

“The Pacific is at the centre of global economic dynamism, with the safe and secure movement of people and goods being paramount for all Pacific Island countries. Palau is a country with a wonderful natural environment, rich traditional culture, thriving tourism industry, and deep historical ties with Japan. On behalf of the Government of Japan, I look forward to strengthening the bond between our two countries via this project,” he said.

Palau Minister of State, Hon. Gustav Aitaro, said the establishment of the coordinating body and subsequent approval of the Executive Order were already paying dividends in regard to cross-agency collaboration in Palau.

“The ability to be able to share information across agencies and for a joint approach to be taken toward border management here in Palau has been greatly beneficial. The past 12-months have seen the removal of bottlenecks and the improvement of service delivery across immigration, security, customs and health,” he said.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for the North Pacific, Kevin Petrini, added, “This project is the embodiment of UNDP’s work across the Pacific, a project that focuses on information sharing, and cross-border collaboration. In the case of Palau, it is fantastic to see multiple agencies working together to ensure the continued flow of both people and goods across the country’s borders,” he said.

The two-day national consultation was held at the Palau Royal Resort on 14 and 15 February with guests from across the Government of Palau and the United Nations in attendance.

For further media enquiries please contact:

Rustam Pulatov, Programme Manager, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji. Tel: +679 3312 500; Email: rustam.pulatov@undp.org;