28 May 2026
Koror, Palau — 22 May 2026 — The Republic of Palau hosted the Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific Phase 3 (COSPPac3) Annual Session from 18–22 May 2026, bringing together Pacific Island countries, regional organisations and technical partners to strengthen climate and ocean services across the region.
The session gathered representatives from National Meteorological Services and Land Survey Departments from 15 Pacific Island countries, funding partners including Australia and New Zealand, and technical partners such as the Pacific Community (SPC), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Geoscience Australia and Earth Sciences New Zealand.
Opening the session, Mrs Maria Ngemaes, Meteorologist-In-Charge at the Palau Weather Service Office, highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in addressing climate and ocean risks.
Australia’s Ambassador to Palau, His Excellency Toby Sharpe, reaffirmed Australia’s long-standing support for Pacific Island countries through COSPPac, noting the programme’s role in providing trusted, actionable information to support decision-making.
The annual session reviewed the progress of COSPPac3 activities, including the delivery of climate outlooks, the Early Action Rainfall Watch Bulletin, climate and ocean data services, and tide calendars that support maritime safety and planning.
These services are helping countries better anticipate risks, inform infrastructure planning, and support key sectors such as fisheries, agriculture and disaster management.
The COSPPac3 Steering Committee convened in the final two days, covering the technical partners’ workplans, tools and products, and endorsing the recommendations of the Program’s mid-term evaluation. Committee members also examined cross-cutting areas including Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL), Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), and communications, agreeing to strengthen investment in building capacities to ensure accessibility, two-way communications with stakeholders and evidence-based decision-making.
As an implementing partner, SPC supports coordination, technical delivery and regional collaboration under COSPPac3, working closely with countries and partners to ensure services are relevant, inclusive and reach those most in need.
Outcomes from the session will inform further planning for COSPPac3, reinforcing regional cooperation and assisting Pacific Island countries in accessing and using climate and ocean information to remain resilient to the impacts of climate change and disasters.
