27 November 2020
All Cook Islanders are invited to help build our Cook Islands Legacy during a national forum to develop our Cook Islands National Sustainable Development Agenda 2020+ on Thursday.
Since the launch of the Cook Islands NSDA2020+ Consultations, Cook Islanders have taken up the challenge to help strengthen our Cook Islands legacy.
More than sixty consultations have taken place over the last five months as Cook Islands residents have shared their thoughts on where the Cook Islands should be as a nation, and how we should get there.
The Cook Islands NSDA2020+ will be the guiding blueprint for the Cook Islands as it works towards achieving the vision of wellbeing. The NSDA2020+ follows on from the Cook Islands National Sustainable Development Plan – Te Kaveinga Nui 2016 – 2020.
This Thursday the “Our Cook Islands Legacy NSDA2020+ Forum” will seek further input upon some of what has been collated thus far.
“We’ve been encouraged by the wide range of voices and input we have recorded over the past months as people have told us their vision for our Cook Islands,” said Ms Valentino Wichman, Director of Central Policy and Planning Office of the Office of the Prime Minister.
“Our People are at the core of our NSDA2020+, the thoughts and ideas that have been shared with us are the strands of our national document, woven together in strength, like our Cook Islands ka’a. We look forward to more that comes.”
The Our Cook Islands Legacy NSDA2020+ Forum is just one of several more consultations to continue over early next year across Rarotonga and some of the Pa Enua. Outcomes of consultations held to date have been shared with Te Vairanga Kite Pakari, the Cook Islands Research Association, to help develop the foundation of the NSDA2020+.
It is proposed the NSDA2020+ be ready for endorsement in April next year.
This Thursday Our Legacy Cook Islands Forum will see a range of activities take place. The second of the Korero Mai Debate Series will take place, followed by a range of wellbeing activities for all to help build our Cook Islands legacy.
“The Forum will be a half day journey through our Cook Islands wellbeing – we are ensuring the five key aspects of wellbeing are interwoven within our Forum those being physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional and social,” said Ms Wichman.
“We’re asking people to input into our vision, the life cycle of a Cook Islander for wellbeing and to hear their thoughts about our draft targets we have to date. Everyone is welcome to join us and take part – bring your ideas and be ready to have an enjoyable time.”
The Our Legacy Cook Islands NSDA2020+ Forum is held on Thursday 3 December 2020 – World Disability Day, from 9am to 12pm at the Cook Islands National Auditorium Domes.
ENDS…