PORT VILA, VANUATU (27 May 2026): A Regional Validation Workshop for the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Framework kicked off in Port Vila, Vanuatu earlier today.
In his opening remarks delivered on behalf of the MSG Secretariat Acting Director General, Ilan Kiloe, Joshua Kaile, Programme Manager for Trade & Economic Development, commended the Pacific Community (SPC) for the support and Australia’s DFAT, whose financial support made the development of this framework possible.
“This partnership reflects a shared understanding that gender equality and social inclusion are not external agendas, but fundamental human priorities and real challenges that also require a sub-regional approach,” he said.
Mr Kaile acknowledged the presence of Members saying it was a testament to the collective political will and shared commitment of MSG to leave no one behind.
He said that while Melanesia is a region of extraordinary richness in culture, biodiversity and its people, “the fruits of our regional integration and development have often not been equally shared”.
Vulnerable groups he said, continue to face structural barriers that limit their participation in political, economic, and social life.
Mr Kaile said according to credible data, women remain underrepresented in our parliaments, boardrooms, and at negotiating tables and that rates of gender-based violence across our subregion remain among the highest in the world.
“Persons with disabilities continue to be rendered invisible in policy, programming and infrastructure and social exclusion continues to undermine the human dignity that lies at the heart of the MSG’s founding vision. This reality demands decisive and urgent action,” he said.
He said that it is precisely to address this reality that the two policy instruments have been developed — the GESI Framework and the Sexual & Gender-based Violence Action Plan 2026-2038, “not as a document to sit on a shelf, but hopefully be a living, actionable roadmap for transformative change”.
Mr Kaile added, “This validation workshop is a defining milestone, a culmination of extensive consultations, technical work, and — most importantly — the voices of communities across our region who have spoken about their lived experiences”.
Ms Sala Tupou, Programme Manager for Pacific Women Lead at the Pacific-Community-SPC, said their partnership with MSG is grounded in a simple but important idea — that more can be delivered for members when such organisations collaborate, each bringing their strengths.
MSG she said, brings political leadership, convening power and a strong sub-regional voice. SPC brings technical expertise, science, and implementation capability.
“Together, we are better placed to respond to the priorities of Melanesian countries in a coordinated and practical way.
Ms Tupou said the MOU provides the framework for this collaboration and not just a one-off agreement but one that is designed to support continuous engagement, joint planning, and shared delivery of programmes over time.
“Importantly, the MOU ensures we maximise cooperation, reduce duplication, and make the best use of regional resources — so our support to members is more efficient, more aligned, and more impactful,” she added.
The workshop ends on Friday.
