Pacific Island leaders, represented by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, in his capacity as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), delivered a statement early this week, at the High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly marking the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.

In his address, Prime Minister Manele highlighted the Pacific region’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

He noted progress across the Pacific, including higher educational attainment for girls, increased economic opportunities for women, improved health outcomes, and greater participation of women in leadership roles.

He emphasized the importance of data-driven regional action through the planned Regional Gender Equality Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Plan, designed to close gaps, guide policy, and ensure no one is left behind.

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister and Forum Chair also outlined the link between gender equality and climate action, and the need for collaborative approaches to address emerging challenges, including tech-facilitated abuse and creating more inclusive spaces for persons with disabilities.

Prime Minister Manele reaffirmed the Pacific Islands Forum’s commitment to multilateralism and the Beijing Platform for Action, emphasising that gender equality remains central to regional development and the future of the Pacific.