Dubai: President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., affirmed that small states face compounded challenges amid global climate and economic changes, underscoring the need to strengthen international partnerships and adopt innovation and technology as essential pathways to building more resilient and sustainable economies.
According to Emirates News Agency, in statements made on the sidelines of the second preparatory day of the World Governments Summit 2026, currently being held in Dubai, President Whipps noted that Palau's population does not exceed 18,000. This demographic reality makes it imperative for the nation to develop a model based on economic diversification, with sustainable tourism at its core, and to expand renewable energy projects to achieve a more efficient and lower-cost future.
He highlighted the importance of striking a balance between protecting natural resources and enhancing productivity, particularly in unlocking the potential of the oceans. President Whipps emphasized that Palau, as a major ocean state, increasingly relies on the blue economy as a driver of growth.
Additionally, President Whipps explained that digital transformation has played a significant role in improving the efficiency of government services and accelerating procedures. This transformation has also been instrumental in developing the education system through the adoption of remote secondary schooling. He noted that this reflects the role of technology in opening new horizons for development and creating economic opportunities capable of attracting investment, particularly in the financial sector.