With a great sense of nostalgia and pride, Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) alumnus Eugene Amor took his peers on a tour of the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC during the YPL United States Alumni Roadshow.
The visit to Eugene’s former workplace was a nod to Pacific representatives working for the World Bank Group, proving a seat at this global level table is not only possible, but essential.
The Young Pacific Leaders alumni cohort visits Eugene Amor’s former colleagues at the World Bank Headquarters.
Hailing from Federated States of Micronesia, Eugene is an experienced public finance and development professional, boasting a career which spans both national leadership and international policy advisory roles.
In 2019, Eugene became the youngest Cabinet member in the FSM National Government, serving as Secretary of Finance from 2019 to 2023.
Most recently, he completed a two-year assignment in Washington DC, as Advisor to the Executive Director for East Asia and the Pacific (EDS09) at the World Bank Board.
The EDS09 group represents donor countries, as well as client countries with hugely varied needs, ranging from landlocked Mongolia to the small island states of the Pacific including FSM.
Return to Washington
Eugene says returning to Washington as part of the YPL Alumni Roadshow, has been a chance to reconnect with his colleagues, before starting his new role as Advisor in the FSM Department of Finance.
“My experience at the World Bank has been both enriching and empowering,” Eugene says.
“I’ve gained deep development knowledge, and a clear understanding of how the institution operates—its policies, project cycles, and implementation requirements.
“This has strengthened my ability to help my country and the wider Pacific region engage more effectively with the Bank to deliver real impact for our people.”
While working at the World Bank, Eugene says the Board approved several projects for Pacific Island countries, ranging from $5 million additional financing for existing projects, to over $100 million in disaster preparedness and resilience projects, and adds it is great to see elevated support towards the region.
“Serving as an Advisor has also been an extraordinary opportunity to represent the voice of the Pacific at the global level—bridging global decisions with local realities and ensuring our region’s perspectives are not only heard, but reflected in meaningful action,” he says.
Introductions made
During the World Bank visit, Eugene introduced his 11 YPL alumni peers to Ilaisaane Lolo, the current Advisor to the Executive Director for the Southeast Asia Group (EDS16).
Ilaisaane is working in the same role as Eugene before he left, but for the EDS16 group, which encompasses parts of Asia, Fiji and Tonga.
Before her two-year role began at the World Bank in November 2024, Ilaisaane served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer in the Aid Management and Resilient Development Division at Tonga’s Ministry of Finance.
Ilaisaane says representing Tonga at the World Bank is a privilege, and eye opening.
“It’s amazing to be here, I’ve learned a lot — about the relationship between Tonga and the World Bank, and the projects we benefit from that are funded by the World Bank,” she says.
“We have a significant amount of funding and projects supported by the Bank, assisting in infrastructure, education, and health.
“When I go back to Tonga, it will be easier to manage projects funded by the Bank, as well as other assistance such as advisory and analytical support provided by the Bank.”
It is important for Pacific people to work in regional and global organizations to gain experience, and return home with knowledge, skills, and other areas of expertise to help their country, she adds.
“This is especially valuable for assisting small island states, not only at the national level, but also regionally.”
The YPL alumni were also introduced to Anders Agerskov, who is part of the World Bank Global Knowledge team.
He and Eugene previously worked together on fiscal resilience for small island states.
Anders says the best advice he could offer Pacific nations, is to change the narrative about being “small”, to diversify, look for investments, and utilise low-cost energy to become large Oceanic economies.
“You have to be the steward to your own destiny…go to funders and provide positive accounts, have investments in mind, be ready to shift money around and have ideas,” Anders says.
It was a trip down memory lane for Eugene, who is gearing up for his return to FSM, to contribute to his country’s economy, security and prosperity.
Underpinning all the work he does, including the grassroots initiatives he helps mobilize to support youth programs addressing underage drinking, strengthen local farmers’ resilience, and protect fragile ecosystems through small-scale community development and environmental projects in his community, is the desire to see FSM thrive.
“My lifelong commitment to inclusive development is rooted in my belief that meaningful progress begins with uplifting those in greatest need,” he says.
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more details on the US Department of State initiative.
