Yaren, Nauru – The Government of Nauru has launched Phase II of the Nauru Accountable and Inclusive Governance (NAIG-II) Project, reaffirming its commitment to building strong institutions that deliver better services, strengthen public trust, and create more opportunities for citizens to participate in national life.
Implemented in partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, the programme takes a whole-of-government approach to governance, bringing together Parliament, the Electoral Commission, the justice sector, Births, Deaths and Marriages, and civil society organisations as part of a connected system working to serve the people of Nauru.
The launch marks the next chapter of a partnership that began in 2021 with support to Parliament and the Nauru Electoral Commission and has since evolved into a broader governance programme supporting five key institutions across the governance sector.
Speaking at the launch, Speaker of Parliament Hon. Marcus Stephen said the occasion was both a celebration of progress and a commitment to continue strengthening governance systems that serve the people of Nauru.
“Today is not only about launching a new phase, but also about celebrating what we have achieved together as partners for the NAIG Project.
When I first signed off on the Parliament component of the NAIG Project in 2021, the focus was on just two key institutions — Parliament and the Electoral Commission. Today, I am proud to note that this has expanded to five institutions now supported under the NAIG programme. This growth reflects not only the ambition of the Government of Nauru, but also the strength of our partnership with UNDP, Australia, and New Zealand.”
Among the achievements highlighted during the launch were support to the successful conduct of the 2022 and 2025 national elections, the first comprehensive review of Parliament’s Standing Orders since 1968, the hosting of the Presiding Officers’ and Clerks’ Conference, strengthened access to legal information through the RONLAW platform, and the digitisation of civil registration records.
UNDP Pacific Resident Representative Munkhtuya Altangerel said strong institutions remain central to Nauru’s long-term development aspirations.
“Strong governance institutions are the backbone of any country. They build public trust, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that services reach all citizens fairly and effectively.
Ultimately, our collective governance work is about improving the everyday lives of the people of Nauru — ensuring services are accessible, institutions are responsive, and no one is left behind.”
One of the programme’s most significant achievements has been support to the development of Nauru’s first digital Births, Deaths and Marriages system. More than 16,000 civil records have been cleaned and validated, creating a stronger foundation for legal identity, service delivery, and future digital government systems.
As Nauru continues to modernise public services, Phase II will place greater emphasis on strengthening governance systems, expanding digital solutions, supporting justice sector priorities, consolidating gains made in electoral administration, and creating more opportunities for civil society participation in public dialogue and national development.
Australian High Commissioner to Nauru, His Excellency Mathew Barclay, reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Nauru’s governance priorities.
“Australia remains a committed partner, working alongside Nauru to deliver lasting impacts, ensuring the Nauruans of today and the Nauruans of tomorrow are served by effective governance institutions.”
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Unit Manager for Governance and Inclusion, Hannah Van Voorthuysen, highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and partnership in supporting Nauru’s governance journey.
“Since 2021, New Zealand has worked alongside the Government of Nauru, Australia and UNDP to support Nauru-led efforts to strengthen democratic governance. We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting resilient governance systems that deliver lasting outcomes for the people of Nauru.”
The launch reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that governance systems continue to evolve alongside the needs of the people they serve. By investing in institutions today, Nauru is helping build the foundations for a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for generations to come.
For more information please contact:
Risiate Biudole I UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji I Communications Analyst I risiate.biudole@undp.org
