Kiribati launches its first-ever National Employment Policy with ILO support

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Kiribati launches its first-ever National Employment Policy with ILO support

New policy aims to address high youth unemployment, informality, and labour market mismatches to promote inclusive growth across the Pacific Island nation

9 December 2025

TARAWA (ILO NEWS) - The Government of the Republic of Kiribati has launched its first-ever National Employment Policy (NEP), marking a historic milestone in the country's commitment to promoting decent work, inclusive growth, and sustainable livelihoods for its citizens.

The policy, which covers the period 2025-2029, was developed through extensive consultation with tripartite partners, government authorities, development stakeholders, and civil society organizations. It sets out a clear framework to address key employment challenges facing Kiribati, including high youth unemployment, informality, and labour market mismatches. The framework focuses on improving wages and working conditions, empowering vulnerable groups, and better aligning education and skills with labour market needs.

The Kiribati NEP also introduces measures to protect overseas workers and their families and to strengthen labour market institutions and data systems for evidence-based policymaking.

The policy was developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Employment and Human Resources (MEHR), with the active engagement of employers' and workers' representatives. The International Labour Organization (ILO) provided technical and advisory support throughout the policy formulation process, through its joint programme on Accelerating SDG Achievement through Digital Transformation to Strengthen Community Resilience in Micronesia.

The Kiribati National Employment Policy (KNEP) was endorsed by the Cabinet and presented during the national parliament session as part of the Order Paper. The official launch of the policy was further celebrated with a ceremonial cake cutting led by the Honourable Auria Kitina, Minister for Employment and Human Resources, together with the Chief Guest, Vice President Dr. Teuea Toatu, who also serves as Minister for Finance and Economic Development (MFED).

The official launch event was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Secretaries from all Ministries, and the ILO MARI II project team and staff.

The ILO remains committed and will continue to provide technical assistance to support the implementation, monitoring, and review of the policy in line with the Decent Work Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Kiribati faces significant employment challenges due to its limited formal job market, including high informality, gender disparities, weak institutions, and mismatches between skills and labour market demands. Grounded in robust national labour market data, the Kiribati National Employment Policy provides a clear pathway toward a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable workforce for all I Kiribati.