Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. President of the Republic of Palau 11th Constitutional Government, 2021. Whipps was previously a two-term senator having served in the 8th and 9th Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK, Palau National Congress) from 2009 through 2016, when he first ran for the presidency. Whipps’ Senate report card maintains his reputable record in policy making to promote and protect the best interests of Palauans. Whipps' slogan, "A Kot a Rechad er Belau," which translates to Palauan People First, actually originated from his father, who was active in the Save Palau movement to protect Palau's marine resources, and who ran for congress many times before being elected. Announced at the US Pavilion alongside SPEC John Kerry and Assistant Secretary Monica Medina, Palau will host the Our Oceans Conference in February 2022, which aims to build ambition on international ocean conservation.