Celebrating the Voices of Pacific Girls on International Day of the Girl Child

It’s two PM on a sunny and humid Sunday afternoon in the state of Ngaraard, located on island of Babeldaob, Palau. Families, youth and members of civil society are enjoying outdoor volleyball and community activities in Kuabes Park. 

Running between the palm trees with a volleyball in her hand, Arla Arcacius emerges as a natural group leader who radiates positive energy and wisdom beyond her years. She is talented in sport, and a dedicated girl leader involved in her community as a voice for youth, climate, and gender equality.

Arla Arcacius, a tenacious thirteen-year-old, speaks for many Pacific girls when she says:

"I want better education, better jobs and more youth programs that protect our islands and give young people a real future here in Palau.” 

The United Nations System in Palau is committed to inclusive education empowering girls through education and leadership opportunities.

It is a priority outlined in Palau’s UN Country Implementation Plan for 2025–2027, with UN agencies collaborating to ensure young girls, especially those in outer island communities gain access to quality technical and vocational education, digital classrooms, and mentorship in STEM and climate science fields. 

“We care most about climate change, protecting our land and ocean, and keeping our culture strong,” says Arla.

Arla’s words deeply tie into this year’s International Day of the Girl Child theme, ‘The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis’.

Action in the wake of the climate crisis is an issue that is deeply connected to girls and the future of our islands. Across Micronesia, girls are taking the lead in climate projects, cultural preservation, and community development.

The UN System in Palau is working to support girls through activities like leadership camps, youth climate summits, and community-based cultural heritage projects that provide practical platforms for girls to influence climate and development policies.

“The UN can support us by listening to our ideas, offering more leadership training and programs for youth.” Arla says with joyful confidence and boldness.

Across Micronesia, young girls are not only learners but leaders. Their energy, creativity, and determination are key to building a sustainable and thriving future for the region that puts people, planet, prosperity and peace at the forefront.

The United Nations System in Palau is expanding targeted programs that help build girls’ leadership and youth advocacy. Anchored in the principles of gender equality and inclusion, the UN supports a wide range of initiatives that put young women and girls at the center of climate action and community leadership.
 

Key interventions include leadership and mentorship programs delivered by UNFPA, UNDP, and UNICEF, which specifically reach girls and young women across Micronesia, equipping them with critical thinking, advocacy, and public speaking skills. With a focus on climate resilience, digital literacy, and sustainable livelihoods, these programs enable girls not only to participate but to lead in school-based climate projects, youth parliaments, and local community dialogues.

The UN is committed to supporting Pacific girls. By investing in girls today, we invest in stronger communities, healthier ecosystems, and resilient cultures tomorrow.

On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us listen to girls like Arla, celebrate their achievements, and strengthen the programs that empower them to lead with courage, vision, and heart.