Tuvalu’s Prime Minister, Feleti Teo, emphasized the critical need for gender equality and social inclusion in achieving peace in the Pacific at the recent Ocean of Peace Talanoa held in Suva. Teo highlighted that peace cannot exist where women live in fear and children experience abuse, urging leaders to integrate these values into the Ocean of Peace Declaration, currently being developed for presentation at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders meeting in September.
In his remarks, Teo stated, “Peace must begin at home,” stressing that true peace requires a daily commitment reflected in the choices and policies crafted by leaders. The event, which brought together Pacific ministers, senior officials, and civil society representatives, centered on how enhancing gender equality can bolster efforts for peace under the framework of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Teo noted that the Ocean of Peace Declaration seeks to promote a holistic understanding of peace that transcends mere geopolitical stability, stating, “peace is not simply the absence of conflicts.” He argued instead that genuine peace arises from justice, social inclusion, and respect among community members.
Echoing sentiments from recent regional discussions, Teo warned leaders against claiming the title of “Ocean of Peace” when social issues like domestic violence and exclusion remain prevalent. He called for a collective vision among governments in the Blue Pacific to nurture and deepen peace for all citizens.
Similar themes were echoed by other Pacific leaders at recent conferences, including Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who laid out principles for a united Pacific through the lens of security and development, thereby reinforcing community empowerment as vital to achieving stability.
The message from Teo and other regional leaders presents a hopeful narrative, as ongoing commitments and collaborative efforts within the Pacific aim to foster an environment where safety, dignity, and equal opportunities flourish for every individual, thereby laying the groundwork for a peaceful and inclusive future.
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