Our foreign policy
The Kiribati Foreign Policy 2024 was developed to ensure that our engagement with our partners remains consistent with our constitutional and cultural values, in a manner that prioritizes all I-Kiribati. We adopted a people-centric approach and made all efforts possible to be wholly inclusive as we framed and structured our foreign policy. The people of Kiribati feel that their future should be more prosperous, equitable, sustainable, and thriving. This will certainly be the focus of our foreign service, guided by this policy, as we engage with our diplomatic and development partners. As we structured our policy objectives and priorities, we made sure to consult widely with Government agencies, Non-Government organizations, and diplomatic and development partners, to support national efforts that aim to see Kiribati rise to its full potential through maximizing revenue and output from natural, human and cultural capital.
The policy is envisaged to provide staff of MFAI and our diplomats with a culturally driven, values-based, people centric, innovative, and partnership-driven development blue-print to guide our engagement in bilateral and multilateral forums. It also provides a stock take of our positions and priorities in global affairs. We are also reminded that the success of this foreign policy requires strategic and inclusive partnerships between government and national and international stakeholders – including the private sector, civil society at all levels, intergovernmental organizations and development partners. We will endure to develop and strengthen collaborative mechanisms for engaging various stakeholders to encourage a participatory approach during the implementation of our Foreign Policy.
We identified 3 foundations that would underscore our foreign policy approach by complementing the Pillars of the Kiribati Vision for 20 Years Plan (KV20), and its aspiration to create a wealthier, healthier and peaceful nation, for all I- Kiribati. These foundations are directly aligned with and complement the Policy Statement, the Kiribati Development Plan (KDP), and the Ministries’ Strategic Plans (MSP). Furthermore, they are also linked with global efforts and committments outlined in our UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda), the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacic Continent (2050 Blue Pacic Strategy) and the Istanbul Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries (IPOA).
Our foundations
Wealth
Health
Peace
We firmly believe that our most invaluable asset is our people, and thus, we are committed to prioritizing their development through various means such as quality education, scholarships, and training opportunities. Acknowledging the immense talent within our population, we are dedicated to supporting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, including those that foster artistic expression. Our focus also extends to reforming the public sector to ensure a procient workforce that is adequately staffed, well-trained, and geared towards achieving tangible results. We understand that an effective public workforce is critical for national development, fostering economic growth, and securing prosperity for our nation. Furthermore, we are committed to exploring strategic partnerships aimed at maximizing the potential of sectors such as sheries, deep-sea minerals, sustainable tourism, and commerce, including digital trade, among others. Embracing innovation and forward-thinking, we are resolute in dening our priorities clearly. These priorities are succinctly articulated in our Kiribati Vision for 20 Years Plan (KV20), which serves as the cornerstone guiding our nation’s development, transformation, and future trajectory. Moreover, recognizing the signicance of connectivity, both within our islands and across our vast oceanic territories, we are dedicated to enhancing our infrastructure, particularly in the realms of information technology, maritime transport, and aviation. Through these concerted efforts, we aim to foster greater unity, accessibility, and progress for our nation.
We understand that health is all-encompassing, serving as a vital link that connects our people, islands, oceans, and planet. Committed to this holistic perspective, we are dedicated to developing comprehensive public health policies aimed at fostering not only healthy individuals but also healthy communities, villages, and islands. This commitment is evident in our pandemic response measures, particularly in the face of COVID-19, where the well-being of all I-Kiribati remains paramount in our decision-making processes, unwavering and without compromise. Recognizing that the health of our nation hinges on sustainable development, we acknowledge the imperative for governmental efforts to prioritize initiatives such as food security, access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, affordable utilities, and clean energy solutions. Furthermore, we are acutely aware of the pressing need to address the broader health of our planet, which is under considerable strain due to climate change and biodiversity loss. The rapid deterioration of our oceans demands urgent attention and global cooperation. Similarly, we are deeply concerned about the enduring risks posed by nuclear weapons and materials, as well as the lasting impacts of nuclear testing on our people and environment. In line with this, we are committed to pursuing environmental remediation for areas affected by past nuclear testing and advocating for non-proliferation efforts, ultimately striving for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons to ensure the health and safety of our nation and planet.
We are dedicated to upholding our strong cultural values and preserving our heritage, traditions, and identity as a peaceful, God-loving nation. These values serve as the bedrock of peace within our society. Recognizing that achieving and maintaining peace requires comprehensive efforts, our government is committed to fostering law and order, upholding the independence of the judiciary, combating corruption, promoting good governance, addressing inequalities, and safeguarding human rights. Furthermore, we rmly believe that global peace necessitates mutual respect among members of the United Nations community. Upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity is paramount for regional and global stability and security. Therefore, we pledge our support for UN Resolutions aimed at promoting peace and stability worldwide, particularly advocating for the protection of children. In line with this commitment, we stand ready to participate in UN peacekeeping missions, contributing to global stability while enhancing the capacity of our law enforcement sector. Moreover, our government remains steadfast in promoting and adhering to international laws and conventions that bolster stability and foster cooperation to tackle shared global challenges. These include, among others, combating global pandemics and addressing the pressing issue of climate change. By actively engaging in international cooperation and adhering to established frameworks, we strive to contribute to a more peaceful and sustainable world.