The Cook Islands was represented at the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 30 May to 5 June 2026 by a delegation comprising Halatoa Fua, Director of the National Environment Service (NES); Sandrina Thondoo, Director of the Treaties, Multilaterals and Oceans Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI); and Siana Whatarau, Senior Environmental Partnerships Coordinator at NES.
The GEF Assembly is the highest governing body of the Global Environment Facility and brings together environmental leaders from 186 countries, international organisations, development partners, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, youth representatives, and the private sector to discuss global responses to climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and environmental degradation.
A key outcome of the Assembly was the endorsement of the GEF-9 replenishment framework, which will guide approximately US$3.9 billion in global environmental financing between 2026 and 2030. The Assembly placed significant emphasis on integrated environmental solutions, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, pollution reduction, sustainable ocean management, and increased support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
During the Assembly, the Cook Islands delegation participated in Pacific Constituency meetings, GEF Council sessions, technical learning events, and high-level plenary discussions. These engagements provided opportunities to advocate for the priorities and unique circumstances of SIDS, while exploring new financing opportunities to support national environmental objectives.
From left to right: Sandrina Thondoo participating in a panel discussion, Head of Delegation Halatoa Fua delivering the Cook Islands national statement, and the Cook Islands delegation with Ambassador Julio Cordano of Chile, Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC).
As Head of Delegation, Halatoa Fua delivered the Cook Islands national statement, highlighting the country’s commitment to integrated environmental management and sustainable development. The statement emphasized that climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are interconnected challenges requiring coordinated solutions that strengthen communities, ecosystems, and economies.
“The Cook Islands welcomes the continued recognition of the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States. As we look towards GEF-9, we encourage continued investment in integrated and country-led approaches that improve access to finance, strengthen implementation capacity, and deliver meaningful outcomes for communities and ecosystems,” said Mr Fua.
Mr Fua was also invited to participate as a panellist at a high-level side event on sustainable finance and circular solutions to plastic pollution. During the discussion, he highlighted the importance of supporting reuse and refill systems, circular enterprises, regional recycling logistics, and community-led solutions to reduce plastic pollution across Pacific island countries.
NES Director Halatoa Fua participated in a high-level panel discussion on sustainable finance and circular solutions to plastic pollution during the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
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The Assembly identified several significant funding opportunities for the Cook Islands under GEF-9, including support for biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, marine management, waste and pollution reduction, environmental governance, and capacity building. Particular opportunities exist through the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, Special Climate Change Fund, International Waters Programme, Chemicals and Waste portfolio, and the Blue and Green Islands Integrated Programme.
The delegation also held bilateral discussions with GEF representatives and development partners to explore future collaboration and financing opportunities that align with national priorities, including Marae Moana, biodiversity conservation, invasive species management, climate resilience, waste management, and sustainable ocean governance.
Director of Treaties, Multilaterals and Oceans, Sandrina Thondoo, noted the increasing importance of environmental diplomacy and treaty implementation in addressing global environmental challenges.
“The Assembly reinforced the importance of whole-of-government approaches and international cooperation in delivering on environmental commitments. It also highlighted opportunities to strengthen the Cook Islands’ capacity to engage in international environmental negotiations and treaty implementation,” said Ms Thondoo.
The Cook Islands delegation returns with a strengthened understanding of the GEF-9 financing landscape and new opportunities to leverage international environmental finance to support national development priorities and environmental outcomes.
The National Environment Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration will now work with national stakeholders and development partners to identify priority projects and develop a coordinated pipeline of initiatives for consideration under the new GEF-9 funding cycle.
