The Cook Islands reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the ozone layer and addressing climate change by participating in the 48th Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (OEWG48) and the Sixth Extraordinary Meeting of the Parties (ExMOP6), held from 13–17 July 2026 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. Representing the Cook Islands National Environment Service were Ngatupuna Kae, Environmental Partnerships Coordinator, and Linda Ruamoana, Aitutaki Senior Environmental Officer. The meetings brought together representatives from governments, international organisations and technical experts to discuss the continued implementation of the Montreal Protocol and preparations for the Thirty-Eighth Meeting of the Parties (MOP38), to be held later this year.
Throughout the week, delegates considered a range of scientific, technical and policy issues that will shape the next phase of global ozone protection. Key discussions focused on the 2027–2029 replenishment of the Multilateral Fund, strengthening atmospheric monitoring of ozone-depleting substances, improving the management of refrigerants, supporting the transition to climate-friendly alternatives, enhancing energy efficiency in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector, and reviewing the work of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP). These discussions are critical to ensuring that developing countries, including the Cook Islands, continue to receive the technical and financial assistance needed to meet their commitments under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.
During ExMOP6, Parties completed the election of members to the Implementation Committee under the Montreal Protocol’s Non-Compliance Procedure. This meeting strengthened the governance of the Protocol and reinforced the collaborative approach that has made the Montreal Protocol one of the world’s most successful environmental agreements.
Participation in OEWG48 and ExMOP6 provided the Cook Islands with the opportunity to contribute to international discussions, share national perspectives, and strengthen partnerships with regional and global stakeholders. The knowledge and outcomes from the meetings will support national ozone initiatives, including the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Kigali Amendment, and the promotion of energy-efficient and sustainable cooling technologies.
The National Environment Service remains committed to fulfilling the Cook Islands’ obligations under the Montreal Protocol while working alongside government agencies, industry stakeholders and development partners to protect the ozone layer, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for the Cook Islands.
