Tahiti ready to welcome the Pacific for fourth PHRC

Excitement is building across the region as preparations move full steam ahead for the fourth Pacific Human Rights Conference (PHRC) for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC+) communities.

The conference will bring delegates from across the Pacific to Tahiti from 19–21 October 2026 for what is expected to be one of the region’s most significant human rights gatherings.

As convenor, the Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN) is working closely with its partners and the Government of French Polynesia to prepare for the three-day gathering.

For Terii Luciani, fourth Pacific Human Rights Conference local coordinator in Tahiti and a member of the Regional Organising Committee, welcoming the conference is about much more than hosting an event.

“Welcoming PHRC4 in Tahiti is both an honour and a responsibility,” Terii said.

“For many of us, this journey began with our first vaka alongside the former Vice-President of French Polynesia, Éliane Tevahitua. Through our conversations and her vision of a French Polynesia more open to Oceania, a seed began to grow in our hearts: A tomo mai i nia te vaka — come aboard the vaka.

“Today, that invitation is becoming real. As local communities, we look forward to welcoming our Pacific relatives with ‘oa‘oa (joy and shared excitement), aroha (love and care), fa’atura (respect) and ha’aha’a (humility). We hope to create a space where our diverse voices, cultures, identities and experiences can meet.

“PHRC4 is not simply a conference coming to Tahiti. It is a shared Pacific vaka that we are preparing to welcome and journey with together."

Terii Luciani, fourth Pacific Human Rights Conference local coordinator in Tahiti and a member of the Regional Organising Committee.

Preparations are continuing across a range of areas, from the conference programme and venues to accommodation, transport and interpretation.

“Preparations are progressing through close cooperation between PSGDN, the Regional Organising Committee, the Government of French Polynesia, the Local Steering Committee, and our regional and community partners.

“I would also like to pay special tribute to the Vice-President of French Polynesia, Minarii Chantal Galenon-Taupua, for her personal commitment and constant support throughout the preparations.

“Through her sustained leadership of the PHRC4 Local Steering Committee, her active engagement within the Regional Organising Committee, and her efforts to mobilise the institutions and ministries of the Government of French Polynesia, she has played an important role in advancing the preparations.

“Her personal chairing of several Local Steering Committee meetings and the participation of representatives from several government sectors, including Health and Culture, reflect the shared institutional commitment that is taking shape around PHRC4.

“The programme, participant arrangements, venues, interpretation, accommodation, transport and local welcome are all being developed and coordinated. There is still significant work ahead, but the commitment shown by the different partners is encouraging.”

As October draws closer, Terii said seeing a long-held regional vision becoming a reality was particularly exciting.

“What excites me most is seeing this long-held Pacific vision take shape with a deep sense of ‘oa‘oa. I look forward to bringing regional experience and local knowledge together in Tahiti and seeing delegates build relationships and practical commitments that can continue beyond PHRC4—particularly for our young people, our culturally diverse communities and those whose voices are still too often unheard.”

Ahead of the conference, Terii also shared a message with delegates and stakeholders preparing to make the journey to Tahiti.

“To our delegates and partners across the Pacific: haere mai, afio mai, bula vinaka and welcome to Tahiti.

“Come ready to share your truths, listen generously, and learn from one another. 

“Let us bring our different languages, cultures, identities and experiences aboard the same regional vaka, with humility and mutual respect.

“PHRC4 should be more than a conference. It should help us strengthen solidarity, build lasting partnerships and transform our discussions into practical action for the dignity, safety, equality and wellbeing of all our Pacific people.

“Te anuanua i nia i te moana — We are the ocean, a rainbow of peace, dignity and equality across the Blue Pacific.”