Tarawa, Kiribati – With the call of a conch shell and collective unveiling of banners, the Governments of Kiribati and Australia, with the Pacific Community (SPC), celebrated the official launch of KiriLEAD – the Kiribati Leadership Engagement and Accountability for Development programme last Friday at Bairiki Square.
“KiriLEAD is a powerful reflection of our national priorities to ensure that development in our islands is not just for the people but truly driven by the people,” highlighted Honourable Ruth Cross Kwansing, Minister for Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs (MWYSSA).
MWYSSA will lead the implementation of the new initiative, which is aligned with realising the Kiribati Vision 20 (KV20) and Kiribati Development Plan, as well as the Government manifesto.
“Australia is proud to support the Government of Kiribati with this 3.5-year initiative that focusses on strengthening government systems, building civil society organisation capacity, and integrating gender equality, disability and social inclusion,” stated His Excellency Mark Foxe, Australian High Commissioner to Kiribati. “Today’s event for KiriLEAD is more than a launch – it is a promise. A promise that Australia and Kiribati will walk together towards a shared vision.”
Representatives of civil society also joined today’s launch, with three taking to the podium to reflect on the occasion:
“I believe that this initiative will benefit all CSOs and their programmes… and I believe that they will take this golden opportunity to be serious on it so that we all progress.” – Aia Mwaea Ainen Kiribati (AMAK) President Teewata Aromata.
“We thank you MWYSSA, our government and organisations that are supporting this great initiative and making it a reality. We are hopeful that the support from MWYSSA through KiriLEAD will strengthen the capacity of NGOs and provide funding for initiatives. We believe too that KiriLEAD will strengthen partnership for collaborations with government and, more importantly, to focus on good mutual understandings to promote good governance and accountability.” – Teretia Tokam, Executive Director of the Kiribati Women and Children Support Centre (KWCSC).
“We are happy that today, the launch of KiriLEAD, and we would like to thank our government for this very good opportunity to get this support… for this day opens the door for Te Toa Matoa and its various groups so they can carry out their role in alignment with this support.” – Tabaia Iakobwa, Officer Manager of Te Toa Matoa (national organisation for persons with disabilities).
While the primary focus is on enhancing partnerships and capabilities – across both government and civil society organisations – KiriLEAD outcomes will more broadly contribute to the advancement of human rights, climate resilience, and social development for people of all diversity in Kiribati. SPC is providing technical support to MWYSSA throughout the life of the KiriLEAD programme.
“We are committed to serving our members – including the people of Kiribati – by building on the successes and learning of previous initiatives like the Pacific People Advancing Change civil society support programme and a long history of providing technical assistance to the region,” said Tara Chetty, Deputy Director of SPC’s Human Rights and Social Development Division.
“As we move forward, I call upon every stakeholder – our government ministries, civil society organisations, community leaders, and development partners – to embrace a spirit of radical collaboration,” added Hon. Kwansing. “It is our shared responsibility to honour past efforts and build upon the foundations already laid. Let’s ensure that the progress ahead leaves a lasting legacy of empowered communities for the generations yet to come.”
