SUVA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Fijian President Jioji Konrote on Tuesday stressed the importance of women's involvement in politics in the Pacific region.

Speaking at the Pacific Women in Power Forum reception in Nadi, the third largest city of Fiji, Konrote said the Pacific region has the lowest level of women's political representation in the world and this has been the case for many years.

"The low level of women's representation in Pacific Parliaments is a critical challenge for democracy and the sustainable development of our region," he said.

"Although significant resources have been dedicated to programs aimed at increasing women's political leadership and participation, progress has been rather slow in the Pacific Region since we gained independence from our colonial masters decades ago."

He also pointed out that across the Pacific region, there is progress in this area and they should celebrate this much welcomed trend and progress while encouraging more action and positive changes in this regard.

The president said the Pacific Women in Power Forum provided an excellent platform to engage women leaders to share their vast experiences and knowledge, and assisted in developing best practices on key issues that would help them in their important roles as members of parliament.