The government of Nauru has introduced a significant constitutional amendment to officially rename the country from Nauru to Naoero. This initiative, proposed by President David Adeang, aims to better reflect the nation’s heritage, language, and identity. President Adeang highlighted that the name Nauru arose from foreign mispronunciation and was adopted more for convenience than as a true representation of the culture.
The proposed bill, known as the Constitution (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2026, was presented to Parliament in January and seeks to amend the 1968 Constitution by substituting all instances of “Nauru” with “Naoero.” This change would extend to any written laws that reference the country, ensuring that future references to “Nauru” would be understood as “Naoero.”
If the amendment is approved, it would significantly impact national symbols, including the renaming of the country’s aircraft and ships. Additionally, Naoero’s official identity would be updated on regional and international platforms, including representation at the United Nations.
This legislative move aligns with a broader trend among nations seeking to reassert their cultural identities, with recent name changes seen in countries such as Eswatini and Türkiye, as well as in the region of Chuuk. The amendment will require a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament, and if it passes, it will lead to a national referendum, allowing all eligible voters in Nauru to cast their opinions on the proposed name change.
This initiative not only seeks to honor the indigenous language but also carries the potential to enhance cultural recognition on the global stage, fostering a sense of pride and identity among the Nauruan people. The government’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s cultural representation is a hopeful step towards embracing and celebrating Nauru’s true heritage.