Tarawa, Kiribati - Government representatives, Members of Parliament, integrity institutions and civil society convened on Thursday 9th October in South Tarawa to discuss an ecosystem accountability study on Kiribati, developed under UNDP’s Vaka Pasifika initiative with support from the European Union which reflects the EU’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and resilient governance across the Pacific.

Conducted in 2024, the study surfaces opportunities to change some commonplace narrative focusing on the gaps and weaknesses of the Kiribati governance system and reinforce the story of change and reinvention of institutions over the past decades. Recommendations additionally include opportunities to maintain the momentum of integrity institutions strengthening, entry points to engage with the influence and networks of traditional and faith leaders and a call for deeper research on gender equality in Kiribati. 

Speaking on behalf of the UNDP Pacific Office, Gulbahor Nematova reminded participants that accountability in Kiribati is not a borrowed ideal, but one deeply rooted in local systems and relationships: “Accountability in Kiribati might be a foreign word — but it is not a foreign concept. It is sustained by formal institutions and the informal systems and relationships that give them meaning.”

Tearinaki Tanielu, who led the study as a La Trobe University researcher and is now with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kiribati, highlighted several factors resulting in the unique accountability ecosystem of Kiribati: a cultural commitment to egalitarianism as well as strong leadership from social and traditional leadership combined with recent enhancement of formal integrity mechanisms.  

Workshop participants shared how everyday realities — from family budgeting to community priorities — shape public expectations and understanding of national finances. Many emphasized the need for structured, inclusive platforms to voice community needs, and reflected on how different actors are currently engaging across the accountability ecosystem.

The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen institutional linkages, improve data transparency, and support inclusive decision-making.

For more information contact:

Sofaia Koroitanoa, Vaka Pasifika Communications Specialist, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, sofaia.koroitanoa@undp.org