Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 31 March 2026 – The Cook Islands has welcomed senior representatives of key United Nations agencies, who formally presented their credentials to the Prime Minister, Hon. Mark Brown, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening partnership and cooperation with the Cook Islands.
The delegation was led by United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms Karla Hershey, and included Mr Hamish Young, UNICEF Representative for the Pacific, Ms Bidisha Pillai, Director and Representative of UNFPA Pacific, and Ms Alison Davidian, Representative of the UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office.
The presentation of credentials confirms the formal role of these agencies in working alongside the Cook Islands and comes at a key time as the country moves into implementation of the Country Implementation Plan 2025–2027. It signals a coordinated approach to how United Nations support will be delivered, aligned with national priorities and focused on practical outcomes.
For the Cook Islands, this partnership supports delivery across priority areas including health, child wellbeing, and gender equality, ensuring that programmes are better coordinated and reach communities across the country, including the Pa Enua.
UNICEF supports efforts to improve child wellbeing through immunisation, early childhood development, nutrition, and stronger health systems, helping ensure services reach all communities.
UNFPA works alongside the Cook Islands to strengthen sexual and reproductive health services, maternal health, and population data systems, while also supporting national efforts to address gender-based violence.
UN Women supports progress on gender equality, including strengthening national frameworks to address gender-based violence and ensuring that gender considerations are reflected across government planning and delivery.
Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Ms Mackenzi Wichman, said the presentation of credentials reinforces a shared direction for delivery.
“We welcome the continued presence and commitment of our United Nations partners. This engagement strengthens how we work together and ensures that support is aligned with our national priorities and focused on delivering real outcomes for our Ipukarea.”
The Government of the Cook Islands looks forward to continued collaboration with the United Nations to deliver inclusive and people-centred development, ensuring that partnerships translate into tangible results across the country.
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