A four-day workshop held from 25 to 28 March 2025 in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, brought together over 40 participants from five Polynesian countries to strengthen their climate transparency efforts under the Paris Agreement. Hosted by the Government of the Cook Islands, the workshop was organised by the Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency – Global Support Programme (CBIT-GSP) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in collaboration with the Government of Australia through the Pacific Transparency Program, the Regional Pacific NDC Hub, and the NDC Partnership.
The workshop centred around the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), which is a fundamental component of the Paris Agreement. The ETF requires countries to regularly report on their progress in implementing climate action, specifically through Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs). These reports are critical not only for tracking emissions and mitigation efforts but also for building global trust and accountability in achieving climate targets. For Pacific Island Countries (PICs), implementing the ETF presents both an opportunity and a challenge. While the region has demonstrated strong commitment to climate action, integrating these new and complex reporting requirements into national systems remains a significant task.
Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Karopaerangi Ngatoko, delivered a stirring address that underscored the gravity of the moment and the collective purpose of the gathering.
“This gathering is more than technical training. It is an act of regional solidarity. Our presence here today affirms our collective resolve,” she said.
The Enhanced Transparency Framework is central to the Paris Agreement, ensuring countries are accountable for their climate action through regular and robust reporting. For Pacific Island Countries (PICs), this means preparing Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) that accurately reflect national progress and help secure vital international support. As Ngatoko noted,
“The Enhanced Transparency Framework under the Paris Agreement is not just a reporting requirement. It is a vital tool in holding the world to account, including ourselves, and ensuring that the stories, struggles, and solutions of Pacific peoples are not left out of the climate ledger.”
Pacific Island Countries face unique constraints in implementing the ETF, shaped by their comparative smallness, geographical isolation, and archipelagic nature. These factors often lead to limited human and financial resources, with government agencies operating under considerable pressure and with multiple, overlapping responsibilities. Technological limitations also play a major role, including inadequate access to specialised software, data systems, and the internet infrastructure needed to use recommended ETF reporting tools. Compounding these challenges is the frequent turnover of skilled experts and public servants, making it difficult to maintain continuity in climate reporting processes.
Throughout the four days, the workshop aimed to address these issues by enhancing awareness and building capacity among key stakeholders. Sessions included detailed technical presentations, hands-on training with transparency tools, and group discussions tailored to the specific circumstances of participating countries. The workshop provided a space for countries to share their experiences, identify common challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Participants also gained a clearer understanding of how ETF requirements can be adapted to local contexts, laying the groundwork for the preparation and submission of BTRs and informing the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
However, as Ngatoko reflected, the challenges are real.
“We face real barriers: limited human and financial resources, overlapping reporting burdens, and complex technical systems that are not designed for small island contexts.”
Many PICs deal with capacity constraints, high turnover in technical staff, and gaps in infrastructure. The Cook Islands itself is advancing its own efforts toward full implementation of the ETF; therefore, the discussions were not only a forum for learning but also a symbol of what Pacific-led climate cooperation can look like.
Beyond technical training, the workshop fostered a sense of regional solidarity. By learning from one another and engaging directly with development partners, participants were able to create connections that will support ongoing cooperation beyond the event. This collaborative spirit is especially important in the Pacific, where shared vulnerabilities and limited resources make regional partnerships essential for climate progress.
The successful delivery of this workshop marks a step toward enhanced climate transparency in the Pacific. It reaffirms the commitment of Pacific governments to uphold the principles of the Paris Agreement while also recognising the importance of tailored support that addresses their distinct national circumstances. As countries move forward in preparing their BTRs, the knowledge and momentum gained from this workshop will serve as a valuable foundation for future efforts.
