Cook Islands has called for continued global cooperation to address climate crisis and for the global community to fill any funding gaps left by the United States after its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.

This comes after the United States president Donald Trump signed an executive order to again withdraw from the Paris climate agreement – hours after he was sworn in to a second term last month.

Cook Islands Climate Change director Wayne King had earlier stated that the United States had pledged US$3billion to the Green Climate Fund, a fund that assists developing countries, including the Cook Islands, to address climate impacts.

In a statement, Prime Minister Mark Brown said the country has long relied on climate financing mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to implement critical adaptation and mitigation initiatives.

“We call on the global community to step up and fill any funding gaps left by the U.S withdrawal,” Brown said in a statement.

“Our government will proactively seek alternative financing mechanisms through strengthened cooperation with multilateral organisations and development partners.

“Additionally, we remain committed to our renewable energy transition and responsible seabed mineral exploration, recognising their strategic significance for both our national interests and the broader Indo-Pacific region.”

PM Brown said the government will continue to engage with U.S agencies and private sector stakeholders to ensure the continuity of support for adaptation and mitigation projects, framing their discussions around shared economic and strategic benefits.

“Despite the U.S withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, we remain committed to working constructively with the United States on areas of mutual interest. Climate resilience, sustainable economic development, and regional security remain key areas for collaboration.

“We encourage the U.S to maintain its leadership in Pacific initiatives and to support regional efforts in ways that align with its broader Indo-Pacific agenda.”

Brown also said the Cook Islands will not waver in its commitment to being a global leader in climate action.

“While the U.S withdrawal is a setback to multilateral cooperation, it does not weaken our resolve. With our Pacific neighbours and international partners, we will continue to champion policies that protect our people, our economy, and our environment.”

He says they remain committed to the Paris Agreement and the global effort to limit temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius

“As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), our nation’s future depends on robust and collective global climate action.

“The recent withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement is a significant development that presents both challenges and opportunities for the international climate agenda.

“While we acknowledge the US government’s position of prioritising its national interests, we urge continued global cooperation to address the pressing climate crisis.”

Brown says the Cook Islands will work closely with regional and international partners; including the Pacific Islands Forum, the European Union, China, and others, to maintain momentum towards ambitious climate goals.

“A weakening of global leadership in climate negotiations should not deter progress. Instead, it reinforces the need for increased regional collaboration and stronger commitments from all stakeholders.

“Our message is clear: the Cook Islands will stand firm in its climate commitments, advocate for increased global support, and work collaboratively to build a more resilient and sustainable future for all,” he said.