9 November 2020
Contributions and discussions from almost 55 consultation sessions on the Cook Islands National Sustainable Development Agenda 2020+ are now being reviewed by Te Vairangi Kite Pakari (TVKP) – a Cook Islands Research Association.
The Cook Islands National Sustainable Development Agenda 2020+ (NSDA2020+) is the national blueprint that will guide the Cook Islands towards a 100-year vision of wellbeing. It follows from the Te Kaveinga Nui 2016 – 2020.
To ensure strong Cook Islands ownership of the NSDA2020+, a wide range of consultations have been ongoing since August. The outcomes of these discussions are now undergoing review by TVKP to help establish the NSDA2020+.
“As much as possible, we are making sure that every voice heard is being reflected in our national document which will build our Cook Islands legacy,” said Valentino Wichman, Director of Central Policy and Planning of the Office of the Prime Minister.
“Having a national vision, framework and strategy is one thing. Putting this into action is another, and that is what we are striving for – a robust framework and strategy which sees us all collectively owning it and working together to make it happen. Ownership plays a key role.”
TVKP are helping to ensure the robust legacy developed is built upon the evidence which frames the issues and challenges. To do so the research methodology used is a mix of the scanning methodology with Ka’a as the central metaphor for the process.
This will see TVKP scan and review content from the consultations, literature, media, research and other publications. The research methodology through the Ka’a represents a united, collective approach and Papa’anga will apply this across the range of generations to form our legacy.
Once all content has been reviewed and assessed it will result in the top challenges the Cook Islands must address to achieve the vision of wellbeing. These will be finalised in a report that will support the NSDA2020+ framework.
“Research is an important part of developing our Cook Islands legacy, for example, consultations may have issues raised based upon what people know – yet research may show that these aren’t actually issues,” said Ms Wichman.
“Our research will provide the evidence to support the issues raised by people and show that they are vital for us to include and address in our NSDA2020+ for our Cook Islands wellbeing. There is a vast amount of research to be undertaken in this next stage.”
The NSDA2020+ has undergone a wide consultation process which still continues. If you are interested in having your voice heard please contact the CPPO Office of the OPM or visit the OPM website or CINSDA 2020+ Facebook page. Opportunities to input and share thoughts and ideas are made available on these sites.
It is hoped the NSDA2020+ will be ready for endorsement by April 2021. It will consist of a 100-year vision that has 25 Uki frameworks to span a generation and 5-year scorecards to help monitor and evaluate progress.
For further information or queries please visit www.pmoffice.gov.ck or https://www.facebook.com/NSDA2020Plus on Facebook, or email Ms Valentino Wichman at valentino.wichman@cookislands.gov.ck