Johnson Toribiong, Esq.
VICE CHAIR
Republic of Palau
Residence: Koror, Palau
Former President of the Republic of Palau and National Delegate to the Micronesian Constitutional Convention.
Professional Experience
Throughout the decades President Toribiong has served his country at the highest levels. Prior to his appointment as President of the Republic of Palau (2008 – 2013), he was appointed inaugural Ambassador to the Republic of China. He was instrumental in the drafting of Palau’s National Constitution, upon Palau gaining independence from the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
Subsequent to his presidential appointment, he continues to put people and interests of Palau above and beyond. In his current capacity as Attorney-at-Law, he diligently serves the downtrodden and holds high his treasured principle of “Justice for All”.
President Toribiong is a brilliant orator and one of the sharpest analytical minds in the Greater Pacific. From his keynote address at the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York to his unwavering eloquence in the highest courts, his thunderous voice and mental brilliance remain unparalleled.
External Appointments
In keeping with his strong stand for social justice, President Toribiong remains well loved and positively engaged with the local community. This is reflected in his many accolades and active appointments;
From President of the Palau Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Regents of the College of Micronesia to Member of the “Commission on Future US – Palau Relations” and Chairman of the Palau SDA School Board, he has his fingers on the pulse across many regional and national spectrums.
Balancing duties of a modern leader and traditional responsibilities passed onto him through Palau’s rich system of traditional leadership, he proudly bears the title of “Chief Ngiraked of Airai State”.
He is President of the Palau Baseball Federation and Vice-President of the Baseball Confederation of Oceania.
Education
President Toribiong holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Washington Law School and a BA in Political Science with a minor in Economics from the University of Colorado.
He holds a LLM in Law of the Sea from the University of Washington and has been admitted to the Washington State Bar. He is certified to practice law in the US territories of Guam, CNMI, the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau.
Furthermore he holds a Certificate from the National College of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Public Defenders.