Infrastructure support for Pacific island nations—particularly the Freely Associated States of Palau, Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia—is central to advancing sustainable development, economic resilience, and long-term stability across the region. These countries face unique challenges: geographic isolation, high infrastructure costs, vulnerability to natural disasters, and limited domestic markets. U.S. support, including through the U.S. Department of the Interior, plays a critical role in strengthening public services, financing essential infrastructure, and supporting institutional capacity under the Compacts of Free Association. Complementing this, recent initiatives by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency—including project preparation and technical assistance in Palau—are helping to advance high-quality, sustainable infrastructure in areas such as energy, health care and digital connectivity. Together, these efforts reflect a broader commitment to partnering with Pacific island nations to build resilient economies, improve quality of life, and expand opportunity in a region that is both developmentally significant and globally connected.
NYU | DRI
