Kiribati Minister Makes History as First Pacific Islander Elected to UN Gender Body

Kiribati's Minister for Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs, Ruth Maryanne Cross Kwansing, has become the first Pacific Islander elected to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, marking a historic milestone for the region.

Ms Kwansing, who also serves as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Political Champion for Gender and Social Inclusion, was elected to the global body in April for the 2026-2030 term and said the achievement felt like a miracle.

"From Kiribati, we were so excited and extremely humbled by what we think is a real miracle in how it happened," Ms Kwansing said.