Nauru weighs renaming to Naoero as Parliament paves way for referendum

The Nauru Government has initiated a significant move to change the country’s name from “Nauru” to “Naoero.” This proposal, detailed in the Constitution (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2026, was introduced in Parliament on January 29, 2026, and is currently undergoing legislative scrutiny. The amendment is set to be laid over for 90 days before it returns for a second reading.

The proposed constitutional change aims to replace all instances of the name “Nauru” in legal documents and frameworks with “Naoero,” signifying a deeper cultural resonance with the local heritage and language. President David Adeang emphasized that while “Nauru” has been the internationally recognized name since the nation’s independence, changing it back to “Naoero” is a step towards reclaiming the country’s identity. “Nauru emerged because Naoero could not be properly pronounced by foreign tongues, and was changed not by our choice, but for convenience. Today, we have the opportunity to bring our name home,” he stated, encouraging the country to support the national referendum that will follow the legislative process.

If the amendment secures a two-thirds majority in Parliament, it will proceed to a national referendum where eligible voters will have the final say on this historic change. Should it be approved, the name change will lead to updates across various national entities, including the national aircraft and ships, and will also impact how the country is represented regionally and internationally, including at the United Nations.

This push for a name change resonates with a growing trend among nations to adopt titles that reflect and honor their native languages and cultures. Similar transformations have been seen in countries like Eswatini and Türkiye, as well as nearby Chuuk, highlighting a global movement toward cultural reclamation.

The Nauruan Government’s initiative not only brings attention to the importance of national identity but also embodies a hopeful vision for the future, where the country’s legacy is preserved and celebrated.