Pacific Islands Forum leaders have reaffirmed their dedication to gender equality, making it a key aspect of their ongoing agenda and advocating for stronger participation of women in decision-making processes throughout the region. They pledged to advance national and regional efforts for gender equality, aligning with commitments outlined in the revitalized Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration (PLGED). This includes encouraging the engagement of men and boys in transforming societal norms to advance women’s rights.
Leaders endorsed the inclusion of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) alongside Early Childhood Development (ECD) as permanent agenda items under People-Centered Development, a fundamental pillar of the 2050 Strategy. Furthermore, they emphasized incorporating GESI into climate finance and governance while promoting women’s voices in peace and security dialogues.
The forum also celebrated the Pacific’s unique role as the sole region hosting human rights treaty body sessions, including the 84th Session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child in Samoa in 2020 and this year’s Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the CEDAW Committee in Fiji.
In discussions on education, leaders stressed the importance of quality foundational education for economic productivity, advocating for increased investment to enhance literacy and create mutually recognized qualifications across the region. The Conference of Pacific Education Ministers was acknowledged as the oversight body responsible for reviewing regional educational structures.
Health issues were a central focus, with leaders reaffirming the Yanuca Island Declaration on Healthy Islands, noting its progress over the past three decades. They underscored the necessity of strong health data for measuring accountability, committing to a multi-sectoral approach to achieve the 2050 Strategy’s health goals.
These commitments are echoed by recent regional dialogues emphasizing the critical role gender equality plays in sustainable development and regional stability. Key discussions at previous events, such as the Pacific Women Leaders Meeting, highlighted the urgent need for actionable leadership and accountability in addressing gender equality and providing a hopeful perspective for meaningful progress. Continued efforts focus on community-centered issues and grassroots empowerment, recognizing these as crucial for achieving broader regional objectives.
Overall, there is optimism that sustained and collective efforts will advance gender equality, improve the welfare of women and girls, and lead to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Pacific citizens.
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