Nauru introduces traditional name 'Naoero' at UNGA
President David Adeang says the name restores the Pacific nation’s heritage and identity
The Pacific island nation of Nauru has formally presented its traditional name, Naoero, to the international community, with President David Adeang urging the world to recognise the name as an expression of the country's heritage and identity.
The Independent reported that Adeang made the remarks while addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday (22 September).
"I have travelled far," Adeang told the UN General Assembly.
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He said the country, known internationally as Nauru for decades, was returning to its traditional name and pronunciation, Naoero.
"There are moments in the life of a nation when its people are called to remember who they have always been," he said. "This is such a moment for us."
Adeang said the name Nauru reflected how foreigners had pronounced the country's name, while Naoero was the name traditionally used by its people.
"For many years, the world has known our country as Nauru. Nauru is how our name sounded to those who found it hard to say, and the world kept it," Adeang said. "But it is not the name our people used among themselves."
The country, one of the world's smallest, became independent in 1968 after periods of colonial rule under the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia and Germany. Its international code is also changing from NRU to NRO, while its citizens will be known as dei-Naoero instead of Nauruan.
Adeang said the restoration was not intended to erase the past.
"We do not make this choice to erase our past. We make it because we honour it," he said. "That name carries the memory of our ancestors, our language, and our identity. It has been there all along. Never lost, never absent. Today, we restore Naoero."
He concluded his address with a direct appeal to the international community: "Say our name."
