Government Ministers from 15 Pacific Nations Gather in Apia, Samoa for a Three-Day Meeting

Kiribati is among fifteen Pacific Island nations that have come together in Apia, Samoa, this week to review their progress on early childhood development since the last regional forum in 2023.

These Pacific Island countries include Australia, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Kiribati, Tokelau, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The Kiribati delegation comprises the Minister for Women, Youth and Social Affairs, Hon. Ruth Gross, and the Minister for Education, Hon. Ruateki Tekaiara.

The three-day gathering—running from May 13 to 15—brings together government ministers and sector leaders from across health, education, and social welfare to discuss how to give every child in the Pacific the strongest start in life.

Under the theme “Our Children, Our Heritage: Blue Pacific Resilience through ECD Leadership,” participants are exploring the power of culture, tradition, and local care in promoting children’s wellbeing.

Despite notable progress, challenges remain, especially for vulnerable children facing poverty, emergencies, or discrimination. Leaders are calling for greater investment in community-based practices, like infant massage, which not only express love but supports healthy development.

Hosted by the Government of Samoa and supported by UNICEF, New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands Forum, the forum underscores a united Pacific vision: ensuring every child is nurtured, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.