Statement by the Micronesia Delegation on the Advancement of Women

General Assembly, 81st session

Third Committee, 8th plenary meeting

New York, 6 October 2026                 

Chair,

The advancement of women remains central to Micronesia’s efforts to achieve sustainable development, promote human rights, and build inclusive and resilient societies.

Micronesia reaffirms its steadfast commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. We recognize that the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women is essential to economic progress, social cohesion, and sustainable development.

Women in Micronesia make invaluable contributions across every sector of society, including education, healthcare, public service, community development, environmental stewardship, and peacebuilding. Their leadership, resilience, and knowledge continue to strengthen our nation.

We also wish to emphasize that women’s leadership in Micronesia is deeply rooted in our traditions. Women have long served as respected peacemakers and mediators, helping to resolve disputes, maintain harmony, and strengthen community bonds. In several of our states, matrilineal customs continue to shape traditional governance and social structures. Through these traditions, women exercise stewardship over land, one of our most important social, cultural, and economic assets, reflecting the respect, authority, and trust accorded to them within our communities.

Despite progress, significant challenges remain. Gender-based violence, unequal access to economic opportunities, barriers to leadership and decision-making, and the disproportionate impacts of climate change continue to affect women and girls around the world, including in my own country.

For Micronesia, climate change poses profound challenges that increasingly affect women and girls. We therefore underscore the importance of ensuring that women’s voices, perspectives, and leadership are fully integrated into climate action, disaster risk reduction, and resilience-building efforts.

We also emphasize the importance of strengthened international cooperation, adequate financing, and sustained investment in education, healthcare, capacity-building, and economic empowerment to support national efforts to advance gender equality.

As we advance implementation of the 2030 Agenda, we must renew our collective commitment to ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind. The advancement of women is not only a matter of human rights and dignity; it is a prerequisite for building peaceful, prosperous, and resilient societies.

Micronesia remains committed to working with Member States and partners to advance the rights, empowerment, and leadership of women and girls worldwide.

I thank you, Chair.