Kiribati launches household income and expenditure survey with ILO support

SOUTH TARAWA, Kiribati (ILO News) – The Government of Kiribati officially launched the findings of its latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), alongside a series of thematic reports covering poverty, labour, food, health, and climate resilience, during a two-day programme convened by the National Statistics Office (KNSO) under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED).

The launch events, held on 24–25 June 2025, included a high-level celebration attended by President Taneti Maamau and a full-day policy dialogue bringing together national and international stakeholders. The HIES represents a key milestone in Kiribati’s evidence-based policy planning.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) played a central role in supporting the labour statistics component of the HIES, notably by strengthening national statistical capacities and supporting the drafting of the Labour Market Monograph. The monograph presents a detailed analysis of employment trends and labour market indicators to inform national strategies for decent work and inclusive development, including the forthcoming National Employment Policy.

“The ILO is proud to have supported Kiribati in building the statistical foundations needed to promote decent work and social justice,” said Christian Viegelahn, Employment Specialist at the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries. “Reliable labour market data is essential for designing effective employment policies, and we commend the leadership of the Government of Kiribati and the KNSO for this important achievement.”

The policy dialogue on 25 June provided a platform to discuss the survey findings and their policy implications. In addition to the labour report, participants reviewed data on poverty, food security, health, copra production, climate change, and natural disasters – topics of growing importance for Kiribati’s development agenda.

The ILO remains committed to supporting Kiribati’s efforts to harness data for policy development and to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of decent work for all.

ILO’s support was funded by the United Nations Joint Programme “Accelerating SDG Achievement through Digital Transformation to Strengthen Community Resilience in Micronesia” of the UN Joint SDG Fund.