Pacific leaders have formally endorsed the Gender and Climate Pact, marking a historic shift by recognizing women as central climate leaders and officially linking domestic violence to climate-induced pressures across the region.

The landmark agreement was formalized in the final communique of the recent Blue Islands Climate Summit (BIFS) in Palau, moving the intersection of gender dynamics and climate change from mere discussion into actionable policy.

Speaking following her return from Palau, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya highlighted the summit as a pivotal turning point for Pacific women.

“One very epic moment that’s happened in the Palau communique is the recognition of the Gender and Climate Pact,” Tabuya said. “So, actually acknowledging women as climate leaders in the region.”

“There was also the endorsement of how domestic violence can be perpetuated because of climate issues,” Tabuya emphasized. “This has never been done. It’s always just noted over the last few years. Now, it’s finally endorsed.”

She says, the regional alignment in Palau serves as a key preparatory step for upcoming international climate negotiations, including the pre-COP gatherings in Nadi and the global COP climate conference.

Tabuya noted that while Fiji was well-represented, its vulnerabilities reflect broader regional realities.

“Fiji is not unique as a Pacific country. We actually share a lot as a Pacific family,” Tabuya added, pointing to a new generation of leadership taking shape across the region.

“Getting together in Palau was really to strengthen our outcome as we prepare… I believe we have a good new generation of leaders in the Pacific that will take us forward.”