This week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) participated in the PACWIMA regional workshop on gender-responsive maritime governance, reinforcing the Cook Islands’ commitment to inclusive ocean diplomacy in the Pacific.
As a large ocean state, the Cook Islands has a growing maritime and ocean agenda, and MFAI contributes to national efforts in advancing the country’s interests across regional and international maritime fora. This includes engagement on ocean governance, maritime regulation, shipping decarbonisation, labour standards at sea, biodiversity protection, and climate–ocean linkages through multilateral diplomacy and treaty processes.
MFAI’s participation reflects its role in promoting women’s leadership and participation in maritime affairs through regional and multilateral cooperation, contributing to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). By supporting policy dialogue, capacity-building, and regional coordination, MFAI works to ensure gender considerations are embedded in maritime governance and ocean-related decision-making.
MFAI acknowledges and thanks the Ministry of Transport for hosting the workshop. For further details on the workshop programme and outcomes, please refer to the Ministry of Transport.
MFAI also extends its appreciation to international partners, including the Pacific Community (SPC), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), for their valuable contributions to the sessions and continued support for strengthening inclusive and resilient maritime governance in the Pacific.
For further information, please email:media@mfai.gov.ck