NES representatives Sandee Cook and Mii Herman recently attended regional discussions on the future of waste and pollution management in the Pacific, held from 21 to 25 July 2025 in Suva, Fiji. The joint workshop was co-organised by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of the Republic of Fiji, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), through its Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) under UN DESA. Their participation was funded by UNCRD and SPREP.
The first two days centred on shaping the Cleaner Pacific 2036 strategy. Pacific Island countries came together to reflect on lessons from the current Cleaner Pacific 2025 strategy and to set priorities for the next ten years. There was a strong call for more practical solutions, better coordination, and support that reaches all parts of our communities, including outer islands.
“Waste education starts at home with our children,” said Sandee Cook. “In the Cook Islands, Mana Tiaki represents sacred guardianship, a cultural responsibility to preserve our environment for future generations. The Cleaner Pacific must reflect a commitment to comprehensive education and awareness raising on the importance of waste management for our children. We must also expand waste management awareness programmes to reach all outer islands as well, and not just the main centres as is sometimes the case in the Pacific.”
The last three days centered on the Jaipur Declaration on 3R and Circular Economy, which aims to promote waste reduction, reuse, and recycling to advance sustainable and circular economic practices within the Asia-Pacific region. UNCRD-UNDESA assists countries in Asia and the Pacific by helping develop national policies and frameworks that align with and support the successful achievement of the Jaipur Declaration’s objectives.
Throughout the week, countries shared examples of what is working and where the challenges lie. From managing e-waste and plastic pollution to addressing construction and demolition waste, there was a strong focus on community-driven solutions and partnerships. The Cook Islands’ Titā ki te Titā Kore project was shared as a successful example of public and private collaboration in action.
“With stronger coordination, sustained funding, and inclusive planning, CP2036 can build on CP2025’s legacy to deliver transformative change across the Pacific, in line with the aspirations of Pacific Island countries and territories.”
This work continues to position the Cook Islands and its Pacific neighbours at the forefront of efforts to build cleaner, more resilient communities across the region.
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Cleaner Pacific 2036 (CP2036) is the next 10-year Pacific Regional Waste and Pollution Management Strategy, replacing the current Cleaner Pacific 2025 (CP2025). It provides a strategic framework for regional cooperation to develop sustainable, practical solutions for managing waste and pollution across Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs).
Jaipur Declaration on 3R and Circular Economy (2025–2035) is a voluntary, non-binding roadmap adopted in March 2025. It supports Asia-Pacific countries, including SIDS, in shifting to circular economy models by reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, creating green jobs, and building nature-positive, zero-waste societies.
