A dynamic, independent think tank dedicated to elevating public policy discourse, fostering transparent governance, and strengthening democratic values across Palau and the broader region.
Everything we pursue is oriented around a single question: how does Palau build institutions that earn public trust and endure?
Elevating informed, evidence-based dialogue on the issues shaping Palau's future, and creating space for rigorous debate outside of partisan pressure.
Promoting accountability, open data, and clear public process across government institutions at the national and state level.
Strengthening the civic foundations — a free press, active civil society, and informed electorate — that safeguard Palau's sovereignty and self-determination.
Compass Point Institute operates independently of any political party or government body. We bring together researchers, practitioners, and community voices to examine the policy questions that matter most to Palau — and to the wider Pacific region it belongs to.
Read Our Full Story
Island Times covers the January 23, 2026 launch of Compass Point Institute, Palau's first locally founded think tank, led by founder Ongerung Kambes Kesolei, including congratulatory remarks from regional diplomatic missions.
Compass Point Institute is funded by donors who believe in rigorous, non-partisan research for Palau.
Funds one hour of policy research and analysis on a critical governance issue.
Covers the editing and design of one policy brief distributed to stakeholders.
Supports a roundtable bringing together policymakers and community leaders.
A dynamic, independent think tank based in Palau.
Compass Point Institute is a dynamic, independent think tank based in Palau. We are dedicated to elevating public policy discourse, fostering transparent governance, and strengthening democratic values across our nation and the broader region.
We believe that good policy starts with good information, and that Palau's institutions are strongest when they are open, accountable, and grounded in the trust of the people they serve.
The Institute does not align with any political party or government body. Our independence allows us to ask difficult questions, follow the evidence, and offer analysis that policymakers, journalists, and citizens alike can rely on.
We are rooted in Palau, but our work engages with the broader Pacific region — recognizing that the challenges facing small island democracies are often shared across borders.
Founder and President of Compass Point Institute. Veteran journalist and researcher with a career spanning print, radio, and television in Palau and across the Indo-Pacific. Also President of Belau Association of NGOs and Vice-President of Palau Entrepreneurs for Growth.
Publisher and Editor of Island Times newspaper, President of the Palau Media Council, and Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association. Former two-term Governor of Aimeliik State and former Executive Director of the Palau Chamber of Commerce.
President and CEO of LIUS (Learn, Influence, Understand and Sustain), an NGO focused on community development through sports. Former Dean of Academic Affairs at Palau Community College with 18 years of teaching experience.
Research and commentary on governance, economic policy, and security in Palau and the wider Pacific.
The Diplomat examines reports that U.S. Pacific Command may pull a planned multi-billion dollar infrastructure project from Yap, the latest sign of strain in U.S. defense negotiations with Compact of Free Association partners in Micronesia.
The Diplomat →An analysis of procurement records across national and state governments, identifying gaps in disclosure and recommending reforms to strengthen accountability.
Forthcoming →A comprehensive review of staffing, compensation, and capacity across Palau's public sector, with recommendations for building a more effective and accountable bureaucracy.
Forthcoming →Comparative research on voter engagement, civic education, and the health of democratic institutions across the Compact of Free Association states.
Forthcoming →Our published research, available for download and citation.
Recommendations for improving transparency and accountability in government contracting.
Download PDF →An assessment of capacity gaps and a roadmap for reform.
Download PDF →Comparative analysis of voter engagement across the COFA states.
Download PDF →A summary of our research, convenings, and impact in our founding year.
Download PDF →Media coverage of Compass Point Institute.
Island Times covers the January 23, 2026 launch of Compass Point Institute, Palau's first locally founded think tank, led by founder Ongerung Kambes Kesolei, including congratulatory remarks from regional diplomatic missions.
Read Full Article ↗The Diplomat examines reports that U.S. Pacific Command may pull a planned multi-billion dollar infrastructure project from Yap, the latest sign of strain in U.S. defense negotiations with Compact of Free Association partners in Micronesia.
Read Full Article ↗Conversations on public policy, governance, and democratic values in Palau. New episodes released monthly, featuring policymakers, researchers, and community voices.
Watch on YouTube ↗New episodes released monthly. Available on all major podcast platforms.
Founder Ongerung Kambes Kesolei discusses the founding of Compass Point Institute and the role of independent research in a young democracy.
Watch on YouTube ↗Your gift directly funds independent policy research for Palau. Every dollar is tracked and reported.
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