A two-day Te Wa Forum, hosted by Kiribati’s Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, began on Wednesday, 06 May 2026, at the East Stake centre of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bangantebure to shape the nation’s ocean future. Minister Ribanataake Tiwau explained that “Te Wa” means traditional canoe, symbolizing unity and shared effort—adding, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The forum brings together development partners and investors to find practical solutions for managing Kiribati’s vast ocean resources.

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr. Filimoni Manoni noted the forum aligns with the Blue Pacific approach, advancing collective action and ocean governance. He commended Kiribati’s leadership, urging all to “paddle forward together as one Blue Pacific.”

On day two of the forum, the venue moves to the Kiribati Fisheries Limited (KIFL) Building in Ambo for a dedicated bilateral session. This session allows direct, one-on-one engagements between the Government of Kiribati and individual partners, focusing on mutually beneficial actions and concrete commitments to sustainably manage ocean resources. The event underscores a shared commitment to long-term ocean stewardship, with the bilateral talks expected to solidify practical steps forward for the nation’s “canoe journey.”