Becoming Palau’s first female Ambassador to the European Union and Climate Change, Ngedikes Olai Uludong stated during her swearing-in ceremony on April 14, 2015, that she “will strive to be Palau’s Bridge Builder”.
Uludong spoke before the crowded ceremony comprising of friends, family members and colleagues at the President’s Office in Ngerulmud, Melekeok, Palau’s Capitol.
Her statement is in answer to a question she said was posed to her by a friend. “What role do you see Palau play in the international community? The Bridge Builder? The Thought Leader? Or The Moral Value.”
Naming President Tommy Remengesau Jr. as the “thought leader”, Ambassador Uludong explained that Palau is the moral voice in the international community.
“No one has ever accused Palauans of being too quiet”, she says. “We have a strong identity grounded in our culture and tradition – our respect towards the national environment and the sustainable and sustainable and prosperous livelihoods it can provide. We have a story to tell and it is one that the world must hear.”
Having an extensive background in the international community working for small island states such as in her most recent and well known role as the Lead Negotiator for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), Uludong hopes to “always endeavor to represent my country (Palau) to the fullest of my ability.”