Rising costs from Middle East conflict hurting Pacific women, leaders say

Pacific women leaders warn global conflicts are driving up costs and disproportionately affecting women, girls and vulnerable communities across the region.

The warning came during the fifth Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Women Leaders Meeting, which brought together ministers and senior officials responsible for gender issues from across the Pacific.

Solomon Islands Minister for Women, Children, Youth and Family Affairs John Maneniaru, who chairs the 2026 meeting, said the economic fallout from the Middle East crisis was being felt throughout the region.

"Food prices are rising, supply chains are under pressure, and our most rural, remote and maritime communities are already feeling the effects of transport costs and essential services, including health," Mr Maneniaru said.

He said women, girls, youth, children and persons with disabilities were bearing the greatest burden of the economic pressure.

Outgoing chair and Tonga's Minister for Women Fane Fotu Fituafe formally handed over the chairmanship to the Solomon Islands delegation and highlighted key achievements during her tenure.

Among them was the endorsement of the Pacific Regional Gender Equality Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Plan, a key tool for tracking progress on gender equality commitments across the region.

PIF Secretary-General Baron Waqa said the meeting must deliver tangible outcomes rather than remain focused on policy discussions.

"Today, we are called to move from policy to action so that our regional commitments deliver meaningful change in the daily lives of Pacific women and girls, families and communities," Mr Waqa said.

The Women Leaders Meeting, established in 2022, brings together ministers from across the Pacific to advance gender equality commitments under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

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