During the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) welcomed Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo along with a notable Tuvaluan delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in Suva. This meeting marked an important bilateral discussion with Secretary General Baron Waqa and the PIFS management team, focusing on key regional priorities such as gender issues, regional security, and economic development.
While Prime Minister Teo participated in the CEDAW Committee session, the discussions provided a valuable platform for Tuvalu, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands to share insights on their advancements, challenges, and commitments regarding the implementation of CEDAW, which aims to eradicate discrimination against women.
In a related courtesy call, Baron Waqa also met with Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for Asia and the Pacific, where future events, such as the upcoming Pasifika Futures Conference in July, were discussed. Waqa expressed gratitude for the UNDP’s support in strengthening capacities at PIFS and among Forum Members.
This engagement not only emphasizes the commitment of Pacific nations to address gender equality but also stimulates hope for collaborative efforts leading to improved conditions for women and girls across the region. The ongoing discussions at the CEDAW session are crucial for promoting women’s rights and ensuring their voices are amplified in global dialogues. The tangible steps taken by these nations reflect a united endeavor toward fostering gender equality and sustainable development in the Pacific.
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