The Cook Islands Speaker of Parliament says building the confidence to negotiate at the United Nations level is important in ensuring the region has a strong voice on global issues.
Pacific leaders met in Auckland last week to make sure the region's priorities are reflected when the UN sets global development goals later this year.
Niki Rattle says the meeting was important to help country representatives be fully informed, which will give them the confidence to speak up at the UN.
"Because often we as Pacific people in these meetings are quite silent, so it's gaining that confidence. As a region we become very strong in expressing our views and putting those matters on the table."
Niki Rattle says the solidarity of the Pacific region is often recognised, and the region has been able to put together very strong documents to address global issues.
Photo: AFP
