United Nations and Niue Strengthen Development Partnership with the Official Signing of the Country Implementation Plan (CIP) 2025 - 2027

NIUE - Karla Hershey, United Nations Resident Coordinator for the Samoa Multi-Country Office, was in Niue from 22 to 26 September 2025 on her first official visit, marking a significant step in strengthening UN-Niue relations with key engagements including the presentation of credentials to the Prime Minister Hon. Dalton Tagelagi and the official signing of the new Country Implementation Plan (CIP) 2025-2027.

Niue’s enduring partnership with the United Nations has continued to evolve, particularly in advancing shared priorities around climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Through active participation in global agreements and international forums, Niue has consistently demonstrated its commitment to multilateral cooperation and progressive national development.

The introduction of the Country Implementation Plan (CIP) in 2023 marked the beginning of a structured, country-specific cooperation, offering a comprehensive framework to align UN support with Niue’s development goals. The finalized CIP for the 2025–2027 period sets out a clear and actionable roadmap for joint efforts, structured around the four pillars of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF): People, Planet, Prosperity, and Peace.

Recognizing the vital role of civil society in shaping national development, Karla Hershey held a consultation with key CSO representatives to foster dialogue and identify areas for strengthened cooperation. This engagement builds on the national consultation held in March 2025, which brought together over 70 participants from government, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector to inform the development of Niue’s Country Implementation Plan (CIP).

The March consultation identified several key priorities for collaborative action. These include enhancing coordination among civil society organizations (CSOs) through NIUANGO and organizing a National CSO Summit; developing a comprehensive, cross-sectoral strategy to address gender-based violence (GBV); accelerating climate and environmental efforts with a focus on the blue-green economy and sustainable agriculture; and improving access to education while revitalizing youth engagement through the National Youth Council.

The consultation provided a valuable opportunity for civil society organizations to articulate their current priorities and engage in meaningful dialogue with the UN. It reinforced the importance of inclusive, community-driven development and laid the groundwork for more targeted and impactful UN support aligned with Niue’s national goals.

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