Pacific Civil Society and Government to Advocate for Gender Equality at Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference in Bangkok

This week, representatives from Pacific governments and civil society have arrived in Bangkok for the Pacific Civil Society Organization (CSO) Forum and the Women’s National Machinery meeting, ahead of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Review of Beijing +30.

In a collective show of regional commitment, these gatherings bring together voices from across the Pacific to discuss pressing issues, share priorities, and make renewed commitments toward achieving gender equality.

Delegations from twelve Pacific Island countries, supported by the UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office (MCO), are among those participating in these pivotal forums. Leaders, advocates, and policymakers are uniting to ensure that the specific needs, experiences, and aspirations of Pacific women and girls are strongly represented on the global stage. Pacific civil society organizations, known for their impactful grassroots work, will be a vital voice in bringing local realities into focus, ensuring that the distinct challenges faced by women in the Pacific are addressed in broader Asia-Pacific discussions.

The meetings this week will set the stage for the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference, which will be held from November 18-22.

This high-level conference marks a significant moment in the lead-up to Beijing +30, the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a foundational blueprint for advancing gender equality and women’s rights globally. Delegates from across Asia and the Pacific will gather to assess progress, renew commitments, and develop strategies to tackle ongoing and emerging challenges to gender equality in the region.

In preparation for these high-level dialogues, Pacific representatives will discuss key issues impacting their communities, including climate resilience, economic empowerment, access to education and healthcare, and the need to strengthen gender-responsive policies.

These discussions will inform the region’s stance at the Ministerial Conference and contribute to shaping regional commitments toward achieving the goals outlined in Beijing +30.

The UN Women Fiji MCO Representative Delphine Serumaga said the meeting will provide an opportunity for the Pacific to reaffirm commitment to gender equality.

“The Asia Pacific Ministerial Meeting on the Beijing +30 review is a pivotal moment for our region. It’s an opportunity to not only elevate Pacific voices but to reaffirm commitment to gender equality on a global stage.

We’re working closely with our governments, civil society and partners to ensure Pacific priorities are heard, our challenges addressed, and our shared vision for equality advanced. The Pacific has a powerful role in the journey towards fulfilling the commitments made 30 years ago, and together, we will continue to help progress this.”

Pacific governments and civil society are advancing a unified call for action, aiming to ensure that the region’s priorities are reflected in the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference’s outcomes.

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UN Women Fiji MCO/Maryann Lockington