Nauru parliament approves name change to 'Naoero', referendum to follow

Nauru is taking a significant step towards reclaiming and honoring its cultural identity with the parliament's approval of a constitutional amendment to rename the nation 'Naoero'. This move, championed by President David Adeang, signifies a deep commitment to aligning the country's official designation with its rich heritage and indigenous language. The decision to revert to a name that more authentically represents the Nauruan people reflects a growing global trend of nations seeking to assert their distinct identities on the international stage.

President Adeang's articulation of the proposal highlights the historical context of the name change, noting that 'Nauru' was adopted for the convenience of foreign pronunciation, rather than by the Nauruan people's choice. This sentiment resonates with the desire of many nations to shed colonial-era nomenclature and embrace names that are intrinsically tied to their cultural roots. By pursuing this change, Nauru joins the ranks of countries like Eswatini and Türkiye, which have similarly renamed themselves to better reflect their cultural and linguistic heritage.

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while the name Nauru has been recognised internationally since independence, this proposed change seeks to more faithfully honour our nation's heritage, our language, and our identity

The parliamentary vote, with 16 MPs in favor, demonstrates a strong consensus within the government regarding the importance of this national rebranding. The upcoming national referendum will provide the Nauruan populace with the ultimate say, ensuring democratic legitimacy for this profound change. Once ratified, the name 'Naoero' will be officially recognized across all national records, symbols, and international forums, including the United Nations, marking a new chapter in Nauru's journey of self-determination and cultural affirmation.

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[It] was changed not by our choice, but for convenience