Suva, Fiji - The Cook Islands participated in the 2050 Strategy Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Convening held in Suva last week, joining governments, planners, statisticians, regional organisations and development partners to strengthen collective implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Held under the theme “ONE STRATEGY, MANY HANDS, ACT 2050,” the convening highlighted the importance of strong relationships across the regional architecture, clear roles and responsibilities and coordinated approaches to monitoring, reporting and accountability to translate the Strategy into action.
The Cook Islands delegation included Ms Antonina Browne, Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy High Commissioner in Suva; Ms Charlene Hoff, Foreign Service Officer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration; and Ms Ngarangi Teio, Director of the Central Policy and Planning Office (CPPO) within the Office of the Prime Minister.
Discussions focused on understanding who is responsible for delivering different elements of the 2050 Strategy, how progress is measured and how national and regional systems connect to inform decision making by Pacific Leaders. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening coordination between national institutions such as CPPO, regional agencies, and Forum processes. This would help ensure that evidence and reporting flow effectively across the system.
Participants discussed how countries’ national priorities and development plans align with the 2050 Strategy, alongside the need for regional prioritisation to manage growing pressures on limited capacity. Strengthening data, indicators and accountability mechanisms was identified as critical to supporting evidence‑based decision making.
Through peer‑to‑peer learning sessions, the Cook Islands shared experiences on futures and foresight approaches, highlighting the value of long‑term thinking in national planning. Youth perspectives featured strongly, reinforcing young people as partners in shaping and delivering the Pacific’s long‑term vision.
“This convening reaffirmed the importance of coordinated monitoring, reporting and accountability to support effective implementation of the 2050 Strategy,” Ms Browne said.
Outcomes from the convening will inform ongoing implementation and reporting efforts, as the Cook Islands continues to work collaboratively with Pacific partners to advance shared regional priorities.
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