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“The islands are ants, and the industrialized nations are elephants.”

Tito's metaphor for how small island nations like Kiribati contribute almost nothing to global carbon emissions yet bear the disproportionate impact of climate change caused by large industrialized countries.

— Teburoro Tito, Kiribati

Source: Teburoro Tito, quoted in National Geographic, "Rising Seas Threaten These Pacific Islands but Not Their Culture"

More about Teburoro Tito →·More Proverbs from Kiribati →

More Proverbs from Kiribati

Tai ira te moan ang.

“Do not follow the first breeze.”

A caution against acting on a first impulse; wait and think before reacting.

Traditional Kiribati Wisdom

Source: Traditional Kiribati proverb (taeka n rabakau), documented in Pasefika Proud, "Boutokaan te mweeraoi: A Conceptual Framework for Enhancing I-Kiribati Wellbeing" (NZ Ministry for Pacific Peoples)

Kateira ma rabakaura bon kinaakira.

“Our culture and knowledge are our identity.”

A people's customs and accumulated knowledge are what define who they are.

Traditional Kiribati Wisdom

Te mauri bwa te tautau.

“Respecting the guiding hand brings spiritual protection.”

Honouring the guidance of elders and those who lead safeguards wellbeing.

Traditional Kiribati Wisdom

Teimatoan te maiu raoi mani babaaire aika a nikoraoi.

“The maintenance of wellbeing comes from just and fair decision-making.”

A community stays healthy and at peace when its leaders decide matters justly and fairly.

Traditional Kiribati Wisdom

E tabu te aomata.

“The person is sacred.”

Every individual carries an inherent dignity and worth that must be respected and protected.

Traditional Kiribati Wisdom

Te Mauri, Te Raoi ao Te Tabomoa.

“Health, peace, and prosperity.”

Kiribati's national motto, borne on the Coat of Arms, expressing the nation's guiding aspiration for its people.

Traditional Kiribati Wisdom

Source: National motto of the Republic of Kiribati, borne on the Coat of Arms of Kiribati since independence in 1979

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