The Cook Islands is proud to announce its role as Chair of both the Council of Pacific Culture and Arts and the Pacific Cultural Ministers Meeting, reinforcing its commitment to regional cultural leadership and cooperation.
As part of this leadership, the Cook Islands continues to champion the Pacific voice on the global stage. Secretary for Cultural Development Emile Kairua and Policy Manager Jane Poa, both Fellows of the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA), shared examples of IFACCA’s work in advancing Pacific representation internationally.
The Cook Islands delegation recently attended the World Summit on Culture in Korea, where Secretary Emile Kairua delivered a keynote presentation on sustainable culture, with a strong focus on language preservation and revitalisation. This contribution highlighted the importance of protecting Pacific languages as living treasures that connect communities, identity, and heritage.
“The Cook Islands is honoured to lead these important Pacific cultural platforms,” said Secretary Emile Kairua. “By working together, we can strengthen our collective voice, safeguard our languages, and ensure our cultural practices remain vibrant for future generations.”
The Council of Pacific Culture and Arts and the Pacific Cultural Ministers Meeting are critical forums for collaboration across the region, providing opportunities to address shared challenges and celebrate the richness of Pacific cultural heritage.
Through its chairing role, the Cook Islands reaffirms its dedication to advancing culture as a pillar of sustainable development, identity, and resilience in the Pacific and beyond.