Kiribati moves ahead with key employment and labour initiatives supported by the ILO

Tarawa, Kiribati (ILO News) – Mr. Martin Wandera, Director of the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries, visited Kiribati, where he was welcomed by the Ministry of Employment and Human Resources (MEHR) to reaffirm the strong partnership between the nation and the ILO.

Mr. Wandera’s official visit commenced on 23 September 2025 with the presentation of his credentials to the Government of Kiribati through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI). During his visit, Mr. Wandera met with the key ILO social partners, including the leadership of the Kiribati Trade Union Congress (KTUC); the secretary for the Teachers Union, Mr. Kaiaua Tiban and the KTUC vice president Mrs. Tareu Tong.

The Director also met the Vice President of the Kiribati Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Mr. Nicholas Jong. He also held discussions with diplomatic representatives, including the High Commissioner of Australia, H.E. Mark Foxe, the New Zealand High Commissioner, H.E. Pati Gagau and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Zhao Jian and Charge d'affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Ikeda Hirotsugu.

Discussions highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the ILO and the Government of Kiribati, facilitated by MEHR, in advancing national employment and labour priorities.

The partnership has supported major initiatives such as the implementation of the Minimum Wage Order, the Kiribati National Employment Policy (KNEP), and the Mwakuri Aika a Raraoi Ibukimi 2 (MARI 2) project — all central to promoting decent work, sustainable employment opportunities, and stronger labour standards across the nation.

“We reaffirm our commitment to key national priorities and welcome ILO’s continued support in areas such as the review of the Minimum Wage Order, occupational health and safety reforms, and the implementation of child labour regulations,” said Mrs. Batetaake Tatoa, Director of MEHR. “These efforts are vital to ensuring decent work and protecting the rights of all workers in Kiribati.”

To conclude the official engagements, Mr. Wandera commended the Government and its partners for their continued leadership. He also acknowledged the KNEP’s new vision statement, which aspires to “a strong, inclusive, and resilient labour market in Kiribati that provides decent work, protects all workers, and fosters health, peace, and prosperity for workers and their families.” Mr. Wandera expressed appreciation for the productive collaboration and reaffirmed the ILO’s continued commitment to working closely with the Government and social partners to achieve shared goals for decent and productive employment in Kiribati.