Koror, Palau – The Palau National Congress (Olbiil Era Kelulau – OEK) successfully launched a three-day Briefing Seminar for its Members, with support from the Embassy of Japan and technical assistance from the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji. The seminar, delivered under the “Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific Island Countries” project (SLIP II), was funded by the Government of Japan.

Held from 23 to 25 June 2025, the seminar brought together newly elected and returning Members from both the Senate and the House of Delegates. The agenda was developed through a consultative process led entirely by the Congress and was designed to foster reflection, institutional dialogue, and forward planning for the 12th OEK.

Floor Leader of the Senate, Kerai Mariur, welcomed participants and emphasized the value of creating space for shared learning and strategic thinking across both Houses.

The seminar explored a wide range of themes: from constitutional roles and rules of procedure to ethics, oversight, budget scrutiny, media engagement, civil society consultation, and emerging policy challenges, including economic development and marine conservation. The approach encouraged discussion and peer exchange, with all sessions tailored as exchanges between Palauan stakeholders and policymakers.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador of Japan to Palau, His Excellency Hiroyuki Orikasa, reaffirmed Japan’s longstanding support for democratic institutions in the Pacific.

“The SLIP project is a testament to the strength of the enduring friendship and mutual trust between Japan and Palau, and is a commitment to working closely with the National Congress of Palau,” said Ambassador Orikasa, adding: “Japan strives to support the OEK together with UNDP not simply as a one-time event, but as a long-term investment for capacity building of the institution.”