FSM Welcomed at the 2024 Swiss-Pacific Festival & Arts

Last Saturday on August 24th, H.E Akillino H Susaia, Permanent Representative of the Federated States of Micronesia was ceremoniously welcomed as the newest member to the Pacific Community in Geneva, Switzerland.  The event was organized and funded by the Swiss-Pasifika also known as the Swiss-Pacific Community.  This community is comprised of all Pacific people residing in Switzerland and among the Heads of Missions based in Geneva including Swiss Nationals and non-Pacific Islanders who worked or have spent some time in the Pacific Island nations.

Initially the main intention was to gather the Pacific community and provide a social and cultural network for individuals and families in what most Pacific islanders considered an isolated life in Geneva and/or Switzerland. The community has grown over the years with the gradual increase of Pacific Island Country missions being established bringing Missions’ staff and families who have settled in Geneva. 

As the newest member to the Community and first-time participants to the event, FSM realize that this important network of Pacific peoples helps to promote a cultural understanding and to foster better social interactions and engagement to not only the Swiss people but also the neighbouring European countries as well.

The festive event started with an opening prayer and a ceremony through the kava ritual to accept and welcome FSM Ambassador Susaia and then followed by showcasing the unique traditional wears of the Pacific people and their beautiful taste/colors of the modern Pacific fashion, dance shows and of course food and music which completed the ‘Pacific way’.  It was a whole day event full of fun, delicious Pacific food and company. As a member, we aim to continue participating and improving such events and the organisation, which will hopefully expand its roles and functions to support the FSM mission here in Geneva particularly with increasing the peace and harmony between FSM and Switzerland as well as cooperation and assistance between FSM and the UN offices.