Fiji, April 9 -- Kiribati has formally entered the race for a seat on a key United Nations body, with its minister declaring the Pacific is ready to step up and be heard.

Ruth Cross Kwansing, Minister of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs, announced the country's candidacy for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for the 2026-2030 term.

She said the move is about addressing a gap in global representation.

"The voices of our Pacific nations have been missing from the global table, and we are ready to change that!"

Kiribati is positioning its campaign around climate, innovation and regional unity, highlighting its role as the Pacific Islands Forum Political Champion for Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusio...