Pacific women leaders have been urged to translate regional commitments into practical action as rising fuel costs, supply chain disruptions, conflict and climate impacts place increasing pressure on communities across the region.
Opening the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting Thursday, Chair and Solomon Islands Minister for Women John Maneniaru said the region was confronting significant challenges that were disproportionately affecting women, girls, youth, children and persons with disabilities.
“It is a pleasure to join you as Chair of the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting on behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands. I am deeply honoured to assume this responsibility and to preside over this Meeting at a consequential moment for our region,” he said.
Maneniaru commended the outgoing Tongan Chair for advancing the Forum’s work on gender equality and social inclusion.
“In doing so, I wish to acknowledge with sincere appreciation the exemplary leadership of our outgoing Chair, the Minister from the Kingdom of Tonga, whose eloquent, gracious and steadfast stewardship has advanced the Pacific Islands Forum’s engagement on gender equality and social inclusion over the past year.”
“Her tenure has set a high standard, and I recognise with respect the significant legacy she leaves for us to build upon. Malo aupito. Tenk iu tumas,” he said,
He said the meeting was taking place at a critical time for the Blue Pacific, as global events continue to have direct impacts on Pacific economies and communities.
“We meet at a time of significant challenge and opportunity for our Blue Pacific.”
“The Forum Leaders have invoked the Biketawa Declaration in response to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, underscoring the scale of the economic and social pressures now bearing on our region. Fuel prices are rising, supply chains are under pressure, and our most rural, remote, and maritime communities are already feeling the effects on transport costs and essential services including health,” he said.
Maneniaru warned that economic shocks, conflict and climate-related pressures were increasing vulnerability across the Pacific.
“Economic shocks, social pressures, conflict and climate impacts are increasing vulnerability across our region, with the greatest burden falling on women, girls, youth, children and persons with disabilities.”
“That is why a people-centred approach must remain at the heart of our regional response,” he said.
Maneniaru said the agenda before ministers reflected the urgency of the challenges facing Pacific communities.
“Our agenda reflects this urgency. 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,”he said.
Maneniaru noted that the formal meeting followed extensive engagement through ministerial, civil society, private sector and youth consultations.
“This plenary and formal part of the PIF Women Leaders Meeting follows the Ministerial retreat as well as the robust civil society, private sector and youth dialogues.”
He said discussions during the retreat highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership and stronger regional cooperation.
“The Ministerial Retreat reinforced the importance of collective, values-based, and inclusive leadership that recognises intergenerational leadership.”
“It reminded us that strengthening our voice, agency and connection is essential if we are to deliver on the 2050 Strategy, the commitments in the revitalised Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration and respond effectively to the realities facing our people,” said Maneniaru.
Maneniaru also highlighted the importance of engagement with civil society, businesses and young people in shaping solutions to regional challenges.
“The dialogues are an important component of the meeting that enable Ministers to engage with civil society, private sector, and youth – all important partners in advancing gender equality and social inclusion,” he said.
Maneniaru called on ministers to use the meeting to make decisions that deliver measurable benefits for Pacific communities.
“I encourage us to use this Meeting well. To listen carefully, act with purpose with our people in mind.”
“I welcome you all and wish us a productive and purposeful meeting, one that makes firm decisions to improve the lives of our people, especially our women and girls,” he said.
