ECONOMIC shocks, climate impacts and global instability are increasing hardship across the Pacific, Solomon Islands Minister for Women, Children, Youth and Family Affairs John Maneniaru said at the opening of the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in Suva.
Women, girls, youth and people with disabilities, he said, were carrying the heaviest burden.
“We meet at a time of significant challenge and opportunity for our Blue Pacific,” Maneniaru said.
Rising fuel prices, supply chain pressure and the wider impact of conflict were already being felt in rural, remote and maritime communities, Maneniaru said, especially through higher transport costs and strain on essential services, including health.
Forum Leaders had invoked the Biketawa Declaration in response to the Middle East crisis, he said, “emphasizing the scale of the economic and social pressures now bearing on our region.”
“That is why a people-centred approach must remain at the heart of our regional response,” he said.
“Across economic resilience, gender-based violence, women’s health, disability inclusion, peace and security, and climate action, our focus must be on turning regional commitments into practical action that improves lives for our people,” Maneniaru said.
Maneniaru said the formal meeting followed a ministerial retreat and dialogues with civil society, the private sector and youth, which he described as important partnerships in advancing gender equality and social inclusion.
Stronger voice, agency and connection would be essential to deliver the 2050 Strategy and the revitalised Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration, he said.
Maneniaru also acknowledged Tonga’s outgoing Chair, saying her “steadfast stewardship has advanced the Pacific Islands Forum’s engagement on gender equality and social inclusion over the past year.”
“Let us ensure that our decisions these couple of days bring real change for Pacific women and girls, greater security for families, and stronger, more inclusive and resilient communities,” he said.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa said: “Gender equality and social inclusion are no longer at the margins of Pacific regionalism, but at the heart of the future we seek for our people.”
According to Waqa, Forum Leaders’ decision to elevate gender equality, social inclusion and early childhood development as standing agenda items reflected “the growing strength of this Meeting to shape regional thinking and guide political leadership towards a more inclusive Pacific future.”
The challenge now, Waqa said, was to move from policy to action so that commitments deliver safer homes, stronger livelihoods, better access to services, and a more equal voice in decision-making.
“As we look ahead, the strength of our regional vision will be measured by the positive change it brings to people’s daily lives,” Waqa said.
Waqa also congratulated Kiribati Minister Ruth Kwansing on her election to the Commission on the Status of Women, calling it “a proud milestone for Kiribati, and for our Blue Pacific region.”
The two-day meeting continues in Suva, with ministers discussing priorities to turn regional commitments on gender equality and social inclusion into practical action.
