The Cook Islands was represented at the 2025 14th Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum (IPESF) in Brisbane in August 2025, joining delegates from 21 countries across the region. Hosted by the Centre for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DM) and the Australian Defence Force, brought together military and civilian partners to address environmental security challenges facing the Indo-Pacific.
Centred on the theme of operational resilience, the four-day programme explored disaster preparedness, energy security, community resilience, and strategic partnerships. Sessions highlighted how collaboration between agencies is essential for building capacity, improving disaster response, and advancing meaningful regional cooperation.
Cook Islands representatives at the 2025 IPESF were Sandee Cook of the National Environment Service (NES) and Stephano Rampling-Tou of Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI). They contributed to discussions on project proposals for collaborative action, which will now be reviewed by the Steering Committee to strengthen regional cooperation and identify new areas for partnership.
The IPESF has become a unique platform where military and civilian perspectives converge to address shared threats. For the Cook Islands, participation provided access to expertise, data, and regional initiatives, while ensuring Pacific voices remain central in shaping security solutions that recognise the link between environment and resilience. The forum was coordinated by CFE-DM, US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) and the Australian Defence Force, in partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force and the New Zealand Ministry of Defence, with funding support from CFE-DM enabling Cook Islands representation
