Pacific Islands Forum Statement for the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on
the thirtieth Anniversary of the Fourth world Conference on Women
Delivered by the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Hon Jeremiah Manele
22 September 2025
Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates.
I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Member States of the Pacific Islands Forum with a presence here in New York. As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, the Pacific also celebrates its leadership legacy. A year before Beijing, the region launched the Pacific Platform for Action boldly placing gender equality at the heart of our regional agenda.
While challenges remain, the resilience of Pacific women and girls is driving real progress -more girls are completing school, women are accessing economic opportunities and health system are being improved. Reproductive health including Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening is progressing. Across the region, gender equality is increasingly reflected in national reports and budgets. Women’s leadership role across sectors is increasing. However, more needs to be done to elevate women in politics and decision-making roles.
As One Blue Pacific, we are laying the foundation for the establishment of a Regional Gender Equality Monitoring; Evaluation; Research and Learning Plan to close data gaps, guide action, and ensure no one is left behind.
Gender equality and climate action are interlinked. Across the Pacific, gender roles in various sectors and policies are not just about shaping change but driving change.
New forms of violence, including tech-facilitated abuse is already stretching our capacity to respond meaningfully. Bold partnership is needed to address this growing issue.
The Pacific is reviewing its regional disability framework to ensure persons with disabilities are recognized and provided with more inclusive spaces.
As one Blue Pacific Continent we stand united to reaffirm our promise: that women and girls in our region can live in peace, security, and dignity. Women’s role in Peace and Security is critical to be align with the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, underpinned by the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration.
Let me now speak on the subject in my national capacity. My Government is committed to deliver Access to quality education for all, Solomon Islands National University is offering second-chance programs for women who left formal education due to pregnancy.
I am pleased to announce that nine out of ten births in Solomon Islands are attended to by skilled professionals. We have distributed reusable menstrual pads to schoolgirls in the provinces as part of our Health Programme, rolled out vaccinations for girls to prevent cervical cancer, and removed duty and goods tax on menstrual sanitary products.
To combat violence, we have the Family Protection Act (2014), Penal Code amendments (2016), Child and Family Welfare Act (2017), and the National Policy to Eliminate Violence against Women and Girls (2021–2027).
Empowering women in business remains a national priority. Financial literacy training in the rural areas has seen the growth of women’s savings clubs. The saving clubs have provided women with seed money to pursue their economic goals.
In closing Pacific region remain steadfast in our commitment to multilateralism, the Beijing Plan of Action and will continue to place gender equality central to every decision we take in shaping our future.
Umi Tugeda, tagio tumas!
[ENDS]
