The Cook Islands is preparing to engage in a critical regional dialogue that will shape how Pacific countries work together in the future.

In early June, a High-Level Persons Group (HLPG) appointed by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders will visit Rarotonga to engage Cabinet Ministers, and senior government officials in a series of political talanoa under the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA).

The RRA is the most significant reassessment of Pacific regionalism in decades. Its purpose is to ensure Pacific regional institutions and regional governance mechanisms are fit for purpose, responsive to the evolving needs of Pacific nations, and aligned with the shared vision under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

The Cook Islands consultations will follow Samoa, which was the first Forum Member to host the HLPG, followed by Tonga. Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Palau are also expected to hold their consultations ahead of the Cook Islands engagement.

Led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), RRA Phase 3 national consultations are focused on bringing together views from across government.

MFAI Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann said: “This High-Level Political Talanoa is a political opportunity to influence how the region serves and delivers real value to our people.”

“We ask the important questions – are our regional institutions fit for purpose? Do they reflect Pacific values? And significantly, how can they better support national delivery and the outcomes that are rooted in our development vision of wellbeing for all.

“The Cook Islands is committed to ensuring that any changes to the regional system reflect our values, our realities, and support our development aspirations for our people.”

The HLPG include Gerald Zackios (Marshall Islands), Peseta Noumea Simi (Samoa), and Dr. Jimmie Rodgers (Solomon Islands). Their findings, based on in-country engagements with all 18 Forum Members over the next month or so, will inform the final recommendations to Pacific Leaders at the 2025 Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara in September.

As a current member of the Forum Troika, the Cook Islands plays, together with the other members of the Troika, Tonga and the Solomon Islands, an important oversight role in Phase 3 of the RRA process.

The HLPG reports directly to the Troika, which is expected to receive an update on Phase 3 consultations in the margins of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, in early June.

This week MFAI will be undertaking consultations with heads of agencies prior to consideration by Cabinet and engagement with the HLPG in the first week of June. 

• MFAI