UN General Assembly
2005

that is important to the whole world, there is no one to help in submitting an application. In like manner, when Palau does its part in ratifying an international agreement, thus accepting the obligation to render complex reports to an international agency, there is no one to help. The United Nations has attempted to fill this vacuum through the creation of regional and subregional centres, which are quite distant from Palau’s shores. While arguably well intentioned, this tactic has failed to provide Palau with the capacity- building required and has, similarly, prevented the world from truly understanding Palau’s needs and aspirations. In this sense, these regional and subregional centres merely replicate the colonial regimes, which the Pacific islands have thrown off — distant capitals making decisions about far-flung provinces. To Palau, strengthening the United Nations means strengthening its marginalized Members. Palau has willingly taken its place as a responsible member of the international community. Heeding the Secretary-General’s call to action, Palau this year proudly deployed a contingent of police peacekeepers, who now serve in East Timor. And in