SUVA, Fiji—On February 9-18, 2026, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) participated in the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Week 2026 convened at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) Headquarters in Suva, Fiji. FSM was represented by Ms. Takiko Ifamilik, Digital Gender Coordinator; Mr. Augustine Sue, Disability/Youth Coordinator; and Ms. Ruby Awa, Technical Advisor.
Bringing together Pacific Government focal points for Gender and Disability, planners and statisticians, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), CROP agencies and development partners, GESI week aims to advance regional priorities under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Key areas of discussion included gender mainstreaming across non-social sectors such as fisheries, security, and climate change, the promotion of disability inclusion through the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) with alignment to the Pacific Framework on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PFRPD), family protection legislation implementation, and how to strengthen statistical data to ensure national reporting is accurately reflective of national circumstances.
In recognition of the unique characteristics of Pacific Island Countries governance and culture, FSM continues to advocate the importance of recognizing sub-regional frameworks within the broader regional architecture, further reflecting readiness for an upcoming Micronesian Ministers for Women Conference scheduled to be hosted in Palikir, Pohnpei in July 2026.
The FSM and the wider Pacific reaffirmed commitment to regional cooperation and constructive engagement in shaping inclusive policies and frameworks built to ensure all voices of the community is heard and no one is left behind.
