The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) Women Leaders Forum (WLF) Regional Exchange 2025 took place from 22–26 September in Honiara, Solomon Islands.  Centered on the theme “From Southeast Asia to Melanesia: Celebrating the Resilient Voyage of Our Women Leaders,” the exchange marked over a decade of women’s leadership and collaboration in advancing gender equality and marine conservation across the region.

The event brought together representatives from the six Coral Triangle countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste—alongside strategic partners, regional organizations, and community leaders. It was co-organized by the Solomon Islands Government and the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, in collaboration with the Coral Triangle Center (CTC), the SOMACORE Program supported by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

The opening ceremony featured Hon. Cathy Launa Nori, Minister for Women, Youth and Children’s Affairs of the Solomon Islands, alongside CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Executive Director Dr. Frank Griffin and Ms. Ronelle Panda, Head of the Solomon Islands National Coordinating Committee. Also in attendance were the WLF Chair, Ms. Nelly Kere of the Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Disaster Management, and WLF Co-Chair, Ms. Rili Djohani of the Coral Triangle Center.

The first day set the tone with a reflection on the WLF’s journey since its establishment in 2014 as a peer-learning platform for women working in marine and coastal resource management. Participants revisited accomplishments, shared lessons learned, and recognized the crucial roles women have played in influencing policy, strengthening community resilience, and leading conservation initiatives. Representatives from each of the CT6 countries presented national updates on their ongoing efforts to implement the CTI-CFF Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy and regional guidelines, highlighting progress as well as persistent challenges and opportunities.

Community perspectives played a prominent role throughout the exchange. Women leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines shared stories rooted in local traditions, community-driven conservation, and sustainable livelihood practices. Their participation, supported by CTC through the SOMACORE Program, demonstrated the impactful leadership emerging from grassroots initiatives. While the timetabled Timor-Leste representative was unable to complete her journey due to a late-stage visa issue, the experiences she had planned to share were acknowledged with appreciation and concern.

Local partner organizations also provided important insights. WWF Solomon Islands presented community-led livelihood initiatives such as sea grape farming and harvesting, demonstrating how sustainable practices contribute to both food security and marine stewardship. TNC Solomon Islands highlighted the work of women’s groups like the KAWAKI women of Isabel Province, illustrating how local leadership continues to influence conservation outcomes and policy development.

A field trip to the Ngella Islands, hosted by WCS Solomon Islands, allowed participants to observe conservation efforts firsthand. The visit offered valuable perspectives on local governance systems, community-driven conservation activities, and the central role women play as custodians of marine resources. This experience further reinforced the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern approaches to marine management.

On 26 September, the 11th Women Leaders Forum Meeting convened to review progress, strengthen coordination, and plan for the future. Chaired by Nelly Kere with Rili Djohani as Co-Chair, the meeting gathered focal points from all six countries, together with the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat and partners such as CTC, TNC, IUCN, GIZ, and WWF. Country focal points presented updates, including Indonesia’s expansion of the Kampung Merah Putih program, Timor-Leste’s initiatives on marine plastics and communications, and the Philippines’ integration of gender and development frameworks into marine programs. Timor-Leste also announced a commitment of USD 20,000 in support of WLF activities in 2025.

The 2025 workplan and budget were reviewed, with an emphasis on strengthening knowledge management, enhancing coordination with partners, and documenting success stories. Looking ahead, planning for 2026 underscored the need to align with national GESI roadmaps, integrate waste management and marine plastics initiatives, and expand opportunities for youth engagement across the Coral Triangle.

The CTI-CFF WLF Regional Exchange 2025 reaffirmed the shared commitment of women leaders across the Coral Triangle to champion gender equality, empower communities, and protect marine resources. As the WLF moves forward, it continues to anchor its work in collaboration, peer learning, and the enduring resilience of women who are shaping a healthier and more sustainable future for the region.

Photos: CTI-CFF, Coral Triangle Center