Ruth Cross Kwansing, the Minister for Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs of Kiribati, has been appointed as the new Pacific Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Climate Champion. This prestigious role is aimed at amplifying the voices of women, youth, and vulnerable communities in climate negotiations and regional resilience strategies. The announcement was made through her official social media platforms.
Kwansing’s appointment was reportedly endorsed by the Pacific ACP Leaders during the recent 54th Pacific Islands Forum held in Honiara. Her selection aligns with ongoing efforts across the Pacific to reinforce leadership under various thematic pillars that tackle crucial issues such as climate action, finance, ocean conservation, and resilience.
In her parliamentary statement, Kwansing expressed her commitment to contributing to a distinguished group of Pacific leaders who are focused on shaping collective negotiating priorities in global climate discussions. She emphasized her intent to gather insights from civil society, youth, academia, and the private sector to ensure a diverse Pacific representation in upcoming UN climate conferences.
Kwansing succeeds Mona Ainu’u from Niue, the inaugural GESI Climate Champion, who was instrumental in advancing gender equality within Pacific climate policies. At the COP29 conference in Baku during Climate Action Week 2025, Kwansing highlighted the significance of inclusive adaptation, declaring, “Pacific women are not only shaping change — we deliver it.” Her new role aims to continue this advocacy by elevating women’s and Indigenous perspectives in international climate forums, promoting gender-responsive climate finance, and ensuring that the experiences of Pacific communities guide future commitments made during COP meetings.
The GESI Climate Champion initiative builds on over a decade of leadership in gender-responsive governance, as affirmed in the Pacific Leaders Declaration on Gender Equality (2012) and the renewed Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration (PLGED). Regional observers have noted that Kwansing’s appointment signifies the Pacific’s commitment to intertwining gender equality with climate ambitions ahead of COP30, set to take place in Brazil next month.
In the near future, additional political climate champions will be announced in conjunction with the preparations for COP30, reflecting a continued collaborative effort among Pacific nations to address climate change challenges and gender disparities effectively. As the region rallies together, there is hope that these initiatives will lead to meaningful progress in both gender equality and environmental resilience for Pacific communities.
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