The Cook Islands is proud to have signed the Treaty to establish the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) last night in Honiara, joining 16 of 18 Pacific Islands Forum Members in committing to this landmark agreement. The Treaty, adopted at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, unites Pacific nations in creating the region’s first Pacific-owned, led, and managed climate and disaster resilience financing institution.
The PRF aims to mobilise an initial US$500 million by the end of 2026, with a long-term goal of US$1.5 billion by 2030, to support climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, loss and damage, nature-based solutions, and resilience at the community level.
Cook Islands officials, working with counterparts across the region and the Forum Secretariat, helped shape the Treaty’s structure to ensure it reflects Pacific ownership, community focus, and responsiveness to local needs. The governance model establishes a PRF Council of Forum Finance Ministers, with the option to include climate and disaster ministers, supported by an independent board to safeguard transparency, sustainability, and value for money.
The PRF represents a historic win for the Pacific. It establishes a grants-based mechanism designed to deliver reliable and timely climate finance directly to communities. Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown reflected, “Building on our recent 60th Te Maeva Nui celebrations and the active participation of our Pa Enua, the potential of the PRF for communities in the Pa Enua is truly transformative. This is why the Cook Islands joined the solidarity of Leaders this week. The success of the PRF will be measured by its ability to channel resources where they are needed most, free of unnecessary red tape, and in ways that strengthen resilience and improve the wellbeing of Pacific peoples.”
The Cook Islands will now undertake a robust domestic process to prepare for ratification of the Treaty, ensuring that national laws, institutions, and financing systems are aligned to support effective participation in the PRF and to maximise benefits for Cook Islands communities.
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