An unprecedented set of statistics reports were launched by Kiribati National Statistics Office and Pacific partners this week, offering the most comprehensive picture yet of how I-Kiribati live, work, and should navigate a changing future.
Kiribati National Statistics Office with support from its partners has released 10 reports drawn from the 2023/24 household income and expenditure survey and other national statistics—offering nationally-sourced, international-quality insights to inform economic, social and environmental decision-making.
The thematic reports cover everything from household budgets to climate change, food security and copra, to the prevalence and inclusion of people with a disability—providing government, civil society and development partners with evidence to focus policy, services and resources.
Held at the Betio maneaba (meeting place) in Tarawa, the national launch event brought together political leaders, public officials, development partners and technical agencies to mark what is being described as a major milestone in Pacific statistical innovation.
The release also includes Kiribati’s first-ever National Strategy for the Development of Statistics—a roadmap to build a more coordinated, capable national statistical system over the next five years.
The event was spearheaded by Republic Statistician Ms Aritita Tekaieti and her Kiribati National Statistics Office team. His Excellency President Taneti Maamau formally opened the event, speaking to the importance of data guiding sustainable development.
“The launch of these reports is a remarkable milestone in both volume and value. They contribute to knowledge in key areas including climate change and natural disasters, disability, and monetary and multidimensional poverty.
“These data are critical for guiding targeted interventions in government with a clear understanding of employment, poverty and the overall well-being of our people—on the theme of ‘driving change with quality statistics and data for everyone.’
“The dedication, professionalism and the hard work of Kiribati National Statistics Office, technical and development partners are commendable.”
Kiribati first in the Pacific: One survey, ten reports
The 2023/24 household income and expenditure survey was supported by the Pacific Community (SPC) and financed by the World Bank. It was conducted using international-standard methods and digital tools, including using computer tablets for survey collection.
This has meant that the findings have been turned around in under 12 months, allowing them to directly inform development planning and national priorities far faster than previously.
The ten outputs launched include:
- HIES Main Report – Household income and expenditure patterns, economic inequality, demographics.
- Food Report – Food security, consumption, prices and distribution.
- Copra Report – Economic impact of the copra subsidy and linkages to rural poverty.
- Natural Disasters and Climate Change Report – Community-level impacts and vulnerability.
- Disability Monograph – Participation, access, and barriers experienced by people with disabilities.
- Poverty Report – Income and multidimensional poverty levels.
- Labour Market Monograph – Employment, informal work, subsistence livelihoods.
- Health Report – Disease prevalence, malnutrition, health expenditure and disability.
- Gender and Environment Report – Intersections of gender, environment and development.
The reports are designed to align with and support the Kiribati Development Plan, the KV20 Vision, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) monitoring. More than 25 SDG indicators can now be directly informed using the newly released data.
A tool for action—not just analysis
For the first time, Kiribati’s poverty data includes both income and multidimensional indicators, such as education, health and living conditions. The copra report goes beyond price and production to evaluate how government subsidies are impacting household incomes and wellbeing. The climate and natural disaster report is also a national first, quantifying community exposure to environmental shocks through household data.
“This launch is about far more than publishing reports,” said Ms Evelyn Wareham, Deputy Director of the Pacific Community’s Statistics for Development Division. “It’s about making statistics visible and useful, and making sure they’re owned and led by national institutions. Kiribati has set a regional benchmark in how to do this at scale, and with urgency.”
Dialogue and next steps
Following the 24 June launch, a national policy dialogue took place on 25 June to explore how government agencies can apply the findings to their work programmes.
The Kiribati National Statistics Office is encouraging government agencies, development partners, researchers and communities to access and use the reports, which are available online now.
“Kiribati faces complex challenges, but we are responding with solutions that are informed, locally led and backed by evidence,” said Republic Statistician Ms Tekaieti. “This launch marks the start of a stronger, more coordinated future for statistics—and for development.”