On 29th September 2025, the Republic of Kiribati marked a historic diplomatic milestone with the official opening of its Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.
The inauguration ceremony was officiated by His Excellency Taneti Maamau, President of the Republic of Kiribati, followed by a dinner reception, in the presence of distinguished guests, dignitaries, and international partners, reaffirming Kiribati’s commitment to active multilateral engagement and global cooperation.
In his keynote address, President Maamau emphasized the significance of this new diplomatic mission for the country:
“Resilience and adaptation lie at the heart of our response. Through this Mission, Kiribati will engage with the many organizations headquartered in Geneva — from those advancing human rights and humanitarian action, to those leading work on trade, health, labor, and the environment — to champion initiatives that strengthen our communities, safeguard our environment, and empower our people to thrive despite adversity.”
The event was attended by representatives from fellow Pacific Island Missions in Geneva, including Australia, New Zealand, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Government of Switzerland. Their presence underscored the strong bonds of regional solidarity and shared global priorities among small island states and their partners. Also present were high-level officials from the United Nations, UN agencies, and members of the I-Kiribati diaspora in Switzerland.
The gathering reflected broad international support for Kiribati’s enhanced presence in Geneva and its active role in multilateral forums, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Human Rights Council (HRC), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and other key institutions based in Geneva.