Pacific women leaders, ministers and government representatives have gathered in Suva, Fiji for the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting, which advises Forum leaders on gender equality, women's leadership and social inclusion across regional priorities.

The meeting brings together women leaders and male champions from Forum island countries to discuss, take direct action on, and advise Forum leaders on issues affecting women and girls across the region.

Running from June 3 to 5, the meeting is being held under the theme "Leading Together: Strengthening Collective Voice, Agency and Connection".

Pacific Islands Forum secretary general, Baron Waqa, opened the Ministerial Retreat by reflecting on the need for shared regional leadership.

"Pacific leadership is about reading the horizon together," he said.

"It calls on us to draw upon our shared wisdom, values and resilience as we navigate challenges, seize opportunities and shape a stronger future for our Blue Pacific peoples."

The Ministerial Retreat opened with a breakfast hosted by Mr Waqa, bringing together ministers, Members of Parliament, heads of delegation and Pacific youth leaders.

The retreat provided space for leaders to share experiences, strengthen partnerships and discuss the barriers and opportunities facing women in leadership.

Youth leaders joined ministers for an intergenerational talanoa, which highlighted the role of young people in carrying forward the work of women leaders.

One youth representative paid tribute to the leadership and resilience of Pacific women.

"We want to learn from your resilience so that we can become better sons, better brothers and better fathers," they said.

"We want to help carry this work forward and ensure that equality begins in our homes, our communities and in the way we treat one another every day."

Forum ministers responsible for women used the retreat to reflect on the future of leadership in the Pacific, with discussions focused on inclusive and values-based leadership.

The meeting is linked to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, with leaders considering how gender equality and social inclusion can be strengthened across regional priorities.

Pacific Islands Forum Leaders endorsed the annual standing Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in February 2021 to ensure gender remains a regular focus in regional decision-making.

Its role includes advising leaders on regional policy and development issues, strengthening outcomes for women and girls, and supporting regional norms and standards.

Economic resilience remains a key focus, including how regional responses to trade, energy and development challenges can reach women, youth, people with disabilities and communities in Smaller Island States.

The focus was also reflected at Pacific Aid-for-Trade Day, where senior trade officials met with senior officials from the Pacific Women Leaders Meeting to discuss gender equality and social inclusion across regional trade initiatives.

Pacific Islands Forum deputy secretary general, Desna Solofa, told the meeting trade should support wider social and economic outcomes.

"The value of trade cannot be measured solely by growth in trade volumes or investment flows," she said.

"Its success must also ensure that the benefits of trade are shared equitably and contribute to improved livelihoods and opportunities for those who have traditionally faced barriers to participation."

Beyond economic resilience, the meeting also focuses on how the region can move from policy commitments to practical action on gender equality and social inclusion.

Priority areas include improving the prevention of and response to gender-based violence, women's health, disability inclusion and gender equality and social inclusion mainstreaming.

The meeting will be attended by heads of states, ministers and representatives from Forum Member countries.

Representatives of associated Pacific Islands Forum members and the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific are also expected to attend.

As the meeting continues, leaders will explore ways to strengthen women's leadership and promote gender equality across national, regional and global decision-making.