HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Office of the CNMI Governor) — From Sept. 17 to 18, Gov. David M. Apatang, along with key senior officials from his administration, are attending the Guam Defense Forum 2025. This forum is a joint effort between the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor along with the Community Defense Liaison Office, bringing together defense leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders from across the Indo-Pacific to discuss regional security, civil-military collaboration, and community engagement.
The forum sheds light on critical insights from Guam’s experience in balancing military presence with public benefit — a precedent that is directly applicable to the CNMI as it prepares for responsible military buildup.
“Learning from Guam’s experience ensures that the CNMI can proactively plan, foster strong civil-military partnerships, and maximize benefits for our communities,” Governor Apatang said. “From economic opportunities to disaster preparedness, we must balance national security interests with the well-being, culture, and land of the Northern Marianas.”
The discussions at the Guam Defense Forum focus on aligning local priorities with federal initiatives, enhancing civil-military transparency, and preparing communities to navigate evolving regional security challenges, including cyber threats, natural disasters, and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.
Governor Apatang’s participation underscores the CNMI’s commitment to remaining engaged in regional conversations, ensuring that its voice is heard, and its people’s priorities are reflected in defense planning and policy decisions.
For more information on the Guam Defense Forum and related initiatives, visit the Community Defense Liaison Office website at cdlo.guam.gov/.
