BY CHRIS ALEX
The Pacific region is undertaking a comprehensive review of its regional disability framework to ensure better recognition and more inclusive opportunities for persons with disabilities, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said during the United Nations High-Level Meeting on women’s empowerment.
Speaking at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Manele revealed the disability framework review as part of the Pacific’s broader commitment to ensuring “no one is left behind” in regional development initiatives.
“The Pacific is reviewing its regional disability framework to ensure persons with disabilities are recognized and provided with more inclusive spaces,” Prime Minister Manele told delegates at the meeting commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing.
The review comes as Pacific nations work under the “Blue Pacific” unity framework, which emphasizes coordinated regional approaches to social development and inclusion challenges.
The disability framework review is being conducted alongside the establishment of a regional gender equality monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning plan, demonstrating the Pacific’s integrated approach to addressing multiple forms of marginalization simultaneously.
Prime Minister Manele emphasized that this comprehensive review process aims to close data gaps, guide action, and ensure no one is left behind across Pacific communities.
The disability framework review aligns with the Pacific’s commitment to creating societies where all individuals can “live in peace, security, and dignity,” according to Manele’s address.
This initiative supports the region’s implementation of the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration and alignment with UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
The review process reflects the Pacific region’s recognition that addressing disability inclusion requires coordinated regional action, similar to approaches being taken for gender equality, climate action, and economic empowerment.
The disability framework review comes as Pacific nations report progress across multiple social development areas.
Prime Minister Manele noted that across the region, gender equality is increasingly being reflected in national reports and budgets and that women’s leadership roles are expanding, suggesting a broader commitment to inclusive development practices.
The framework review also addresses emerging challenges, including new forms of discrimination and the need for “bold partnership” to address growing social inclusion issues across the Pacific.
As “one Blue Pacific continent” the nations in the Pacific region are working collectively to ensure comprehensive social inclusion policies.
The disability framework review represents part of this coordinated approach to addressing systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities.
Prime Minister Manele reaffirms the Pacific region’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and emphasized that comprehensive inclusion will remain central to every decision we take in shaping our future.
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