The Cook Islands has reinforced its leadership in international environmental diplomacy following its participation in the Informal Heads of Delegation Meeting for the Global Plastics Treaty, held at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, from 29 June to 3 July 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from approximately 150 countries to advance political discussions on the remaining issues ahead of the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.4), which aims to finalise a legally binding international treaty to end plastic pollution.
The Cook Islands delegation comprised Halatoa Fua, Director of the National Environment Service (NES) and Head of Delegation; Sandrina Thondoo, Director of the Treaties, Multilaterals and Oceans Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI); and Tekura Moeka’a, Manager of Environmental Policy and Planning at NES. Throughout the week, the delegation participated in Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and Asia-Pacific Group (APG) coordination meetings, as well as the formal Heads of Delegation discussions convened by the Chair of the negotiations.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the Cook Islands’ continued leadership within the Pacific region. Acting on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States, the Cook Islands coordinated regional positions on plastic products and human health and delivered a formal intervention advocating for stronger international action to address existing plastic pollution, particularly the transboundary marine debris that disproportionately affects Small Island Developing States. The Pacific called for the treaty to establish dedicated mechanisms for identifying, retrieving and remediating existing plastic pollution, supported by predictable and accessible financial resources.
Head of Delegation Halatoa Fua said the negotiations highlighted the importance of ensuring that the treaty addresses the full lifecycle of plastics, from production and product design through to waste management, remediation and long-term implementation.
“For the Cook Islands and other Pacific Small Island Developing States, plastic pollution is not simply a waste management issue. It is an ocean issue, a biodiversity issue, an economic issue and increasingly a human health issue. Our region contributes very little to global plastic pollution, yet we bear a disproportionate burden from plastics transported across our oceans. The treaty must reflect these realities through practical, science-based and equitable solutions.”
The Nairobi meeting focused on identifying areas of political convergence rather than negotiating treaty text. Discussions were organised around four thematic clusters covering plastic products, waste management, financial resources, implementation arrangements, governance and cross-cutting issues. The outcomes will contribute to an Informal Reference Document and a Summary Note that will guide negotiations at INC-5.4, where countries aim to conclude the treaty.
During the discussions, the Cook Islands worked closely with Pacific partners, AOSIS, the High Ambition Coalition and other like-minded countries to advocate for stronger upstream measures, sustainable product design, improved waste management, dedicated financing for implementation, and recognition of the unique circumstances of Small Island Developing States. The delegation also emphasised the importance of technical assistance, technology transfer and capacity building to ensure all countries can effectively implement the future agreement.
Sandrina Thondoo, Director of the Treaties, Multilaterals and Oceans Division at MFAI, said the meeting demonstrated the value of coordinated Pacific diplomacy.
“The Cook Islands continues to work closely with Pacific partners to ensure our shared priorities remain at the centre of these negotiations. By speaking with one voice through PSIDS and AOSIS, we are helping shape a treaty that reflects the realities faced by Small Island Developing States and strengthens international cooperation to address one of the world’s fastest-growing environmental challenges.”
The meeting also provided valuable opportunities for bilateral discussions with governments, regional organisations and development partners on future collaboration and implementation support. These engagements reinforced the Cook Islands’ reputation as a constructive and respected negotiator, particularly on issues relating to marine pollution, sustainable product design, financing mechanisms and the needs of Small Island Developing States.
NES and MFAI will continue working closely with national stakeholders and Pacific partners to prepare for the resumed negotiations later this year. The Cook Islands remains committed to securing an ambitious, equitable and implementable Global Plastics Treaty that protects the ocean, safeguards biodiversity and human health, and supports sustainable development for present and future generations.
