A particular focus of UNDP is on achieving a more gender-balanced and representative political system in the Pacific. This work not only focuses on increasing the number of women candidates selected by political parties, but it also supports those who do find themselves within Parliament, with a seat at the decision-making table.  

Vanuatu’s snap election in late-2022 saw Gloria Julia King end almost 14 years of a male only Parliament, becoming the sole woman to be elected to the nation’s legislature. Referring to the election, she said that she was “Happy for women, in general, to know they have a voice that can be represented up there. That’s the part I can be excited about.”

Members of the Parliaments of Fiji and Solomon Islands are also in attendance at the induction, collaborating with their Pacific counterparts to discuss key areas for South-South cooperation, such as sharing best practices on legislative processes, capacity building for parliamentary staff, and promoting democratic governance in the region.

Speaking at the opening session, Hon. Andrew Napuat, Deputy Speaker of the Vanuatu Parliament, said, “Together we must continue the transformation of our parliament and ensure that it remains relevant to the many challenges our people face and the hope that they have invested in us.”

In her opening remarks, Dawn Del Rio, Resident Representative a.i with the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, made note of the induction being delayed due to Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin – which hit the country just days before the original induction program was to be staged. Ms. Del Rio added that there remained a distinct need for governance structures to be as resilient and responsive as possible in order to mitigate the impact of crises on our societies.

Ms. Del Rio further emphasized, “Our support is focused on key areas such as professional development of MPs and staff, the improvement of committees’ legislative and oversight work, and support to parliamentary outreach and citizen engagement roles. As elected parliamentarians, you play a crucial role in shaping Vanuatu’s national development policies and laws that advance human development and ultimately accelerate progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

New Zealand High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Her Excellency Nicola Simmonds, said “A representative and effective Parliament is a powerful force for fairness and for growth. This induction will help MPs understand the important role they should play in ensuring that the voices of ni-Vanuatu across the country are heard, and that public resources are allocated fairly and transparently.”

His Excellency, Chiba Hirohisa, added that Japan was delighted to partner with UNDP on this initiative.

“Japan has a long-standing interest in supporting parliamentary democracy, with the strengthening of legislative bodies central to achieving sustainable development,” he said.  

The Parliament of Vanuatu Induction Program for Members of the 13th legislature will run from 8-10 May in Port Vila.

For further media enquiries please contact:

Nick Turner, Communications and Advocacy Specialist, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji. (P) +679 971 6458 - (E) nicholas.turner@undp.org