Overview:
Koror, Palau – June 24, 2026 – The Gender Mainstreaming Committee (GMC) has held its 6th mainstreaming meeting, bringing together government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners to strengthen Palau’s national commitment to gender equality.
The meeting highlighted the operationalization of the Palau National Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan 2026–2030, formally endorsed by President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. on May 12, 2026. Now implemented under the Bureau of Domestic Affairs within the Ministry of State, the policy is set to mainstream gender perspectives across all levels of governance.
Koror, Palau – June 24, 2026 – The Gender Mainstreaming Committee (GMC) convened its 6th mainstreaming meeting, bringing together representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners to advance Palau’s national commitment to gender equality.
The meeting reaffirmed a landmark achievement: the Palau National Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan 2026-2030, formally endorsed by His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, on May 12, 2026. With this endorsement, the Policy is now operational under the Bureau of Domestic Affairs, Ministry of State, ensuring that gender perspectives are embedded across all levels of governance.
Honorable Gustav N. Aitaro, Minister of State, opened the meeting by commending the Committee’s dedication and affirming the vision of “a Palau where equality and dignity are lived realities for all.” He emphasized that while progress has been made, challenges remain, and urged members to drive implementation, strengthen partnerships, and ensure accountability.
Committee members emphasized the importance of coordinated implementation, monitoring, and reporting to ensure the policy’s objectives are realized. The endorsement also aligns Palau with regional and global commitments to gender equality, positioning the country as a leader in inclusive governance.
The Committee expressed appreciation for
the diverse membership that continues to drive this work forward. The endorsement of the Palau National Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan 2026-2030 marks a new chapter in inclusive governance, aligning with regional and global commitments to gender equality.