Kiribati has formally entered the race for a seat on a key United Nations body, with its minister declaring the Pacific is ready to step up and be heard.
Ruth Cross Kwansing, Minister of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs, announced the country’s candidacy for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for the 2026–2030 term.
She said the move is about addressing a gap in global representation.
“The voices of our Pacific nations have been missing from the global table, and we are ready to change that!”
Kiribati is positioning its campaign around climate, innovation and regional unity, highlighting its role as the Pacific Islands Forum Political Champion for Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GESI).
“As the Pacific Islands Forum Political Champion for GESI, we have a vision full of courage and conviction!”
Kwansing outlined priorities that include pushing Pacific-led climate and gender solutions, expanding support systems for survivors of violence, and representing the collective interests of Pacific countries.
“Climate Gender leadership: Bringing Pacific-led solutions to the heart of global climate finance.
“Scalable innovations: Exporting our “SafeNet” model as a global blueprint for survivor-centred justice.
“Regional solidarity: Acting as the collective, high-impact voice for all 18 Pacific Island nations.”
Elections are scheduled for 08 April at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where Kiribati will seek support from member states.
“We ask for your prayers and your support as we stand up for the recognition our Pacific family deserves. We are ready to guide, innovate, and ensure that no woman or girl—from our most remote atolls to the global stage—is left behind!”
The bid signals a push by Pacific nations to strengthen their presence in global decision-making spaces, particularly on gender equality and climate-linked challenges.
