The Kiribati Association of NGOs (KANGO) has called for stronger recognition of community leadership and traditional governance in the country’s implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its 2026 Voluntary National Review (VNR). Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development side event focused on locally led action, KANGO emphasized that sustainable development in Kiribati is closely linked to the nation’s survival in the face of growing climate threats. The organization highlighted the national philosophy of Te Mauri, Te Raoi, ao Te Tabomoa—meaning health, peace, and prosperity—as a guiding principle for development efforts.
KANGO representative Ueakeia Tofinga stressed that development strategies should begin at the community level, particularly within the maneaba, the traditional meeting place where local decision-making occurs. According to KANGO, grassroots organizations, including faith-based groups, women’s networks, and youth groups, are already actively contributing to climate adaptation, food security, and community resilience. However, their contributions are often overlooked or insufficiently represented in official national reports and development planning processes.
The organization has urged that the VNR process become more inclusive and reflective of the realities faced by communities, particularly those living on outer islands. KANGO advocates for the use of participatory surveys and local mapping methods to capture community experiences and perspectives that are not always visible through standard statistical data. It also emphasized the importance of involving civil society organizations at every stage of national planning and decision-making rather than only during late consultation phases.
In addition, KANGO has called on regional and international partners to shift greater resources and decision-making power to local actors who are directly confronting the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise and coastal erosion. The organization argues that community-generated data can complement official statistics by revealing inequalities, development gaps, and priorities that may otherwise remain hidden.
Given Kiribati’s high vulnerability to climate change, KANGO believes that strengthening local leadership and integrating traditional knowledge with the SDG framework can enhance resilience and support sustainable development. By ensuring that community voices are included in national and international development processes, the organization argues that progress can become more inclusive, accountable, and better aligned with the needs of the people.
