Overview:
Palau has welcomed climate, ocean and geospatial experts from across the Pacific for the 2026 COSPPac3 Annual Session in Koror, bringing together regional agencies and development partners to strengthen climate resilience, improve ocean services and support disaster preparedness. Officials say the gathering will help guide future strategies for delivering reliable climate information that protects communities, infrastructure and livelihoods across the Pacific.
Koror, Palau – 18 May 2026 – The Republic of Palau today welcomed representatives of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, Pacific Geospatial and Surveying Council, regional technical agencies, and development partners to the Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific Phase 3 (COSPPac 3) Annual session held from 18–22 May 2026 at West Plaza Lebuu in Koror.
Opening the session, Mrs. M. Ngemaes, Meteorologist-In-Charge, Weather Service Office Palau, extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Government and people of Palau, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening climate and ocean resilience.
“We are honoured to host colleagues and partners from across the Pacific,” Mrs. Ngemaes said. “Your presence reflects the strong regional cooperation that underpins COSPPac and our shared commitment to ensuring our communities are better prepared for climate and ocean challenges.”
The opening was also attended by His Excellency Toby Sharpe, Australian Ambassador to Palau, who reaffirmed Australia’s longstanding partnership with Pacific Island countries under COSPPac.
“Through programs such as COSPPac, Australia has been proud to stand alongside Pacific Island countries for more than 30 years,” Ambassador Sharpe said. “This is a sustained commitment to ensure Pacific decision makers have access to trusted, actionable climate and ocean information — information that saves lives, protects livelihoods, and supports long-term planning.”
Strengthening Climate and Ocean Services
The COSPPac3 Annual Session brings together representatives from 15 Pacific Island countries, development partners including Australia and New Zealand, and key technical agencies such as the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (Bureau), Geoscience Australia, Earth Sciences New Zealand, the Pacific Community (SPC), and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
Mrs. Ngemaes highlighted the tangible impact of COSPPac through its partnership with the Palau Weather Service Office. The program has strengthened national capabilities to monitor and respond to climate and ocean conditions, directly supporting communities, economic sectors, and infrastructure planning.
Key services supported by COSPPac in Palau include:
- Weekly and seasonal climate and ocean outlooks that support planning and preparedness;
- The Early Action Rainfall Watch Bulletin, enabling proactive responses to rainfall-related risks;
- Climate and ocean data services to inform evidence-based decision-making; and
- Tide calendars that enhance maritime safety and coastal activities.
“These services ensure that climate and ocean information is not only available, but usable, timely, and relevant for those who need it most,” Mrs. Ngemaes said.
Supporting Resilient Development
Mrs. Ngemaes also emphasized the critical role of reliable climate and ocean information in designing and safeguarding infrastructure. She noted that COSPPac’s support to national institutions, technical capacity-building, and regional collaboration contributes directly to Palau’s ability to build resilience and manage climate risks.
Ambassador Sharpe also underscored COSPPac’s focus on translating science into practical outcomes for communities: “In Palau, COSPPac has supported the development of the Early Action Rainfall Watch bulletin and strengthened the delivery of more targeted, inclusive, and actionable climate and ocean services,” he said.
Program Progress and Strategic Direction
The five-day annual session is structured to support both technical and strategic priorities. The first three days will focus on progress updates, workplan reviews, products and tools, cross-cutting areas such as Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL), Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), communications, and a mid-term evaluation.
The final two days will convene the COSPPac3 Steering Committee, providing governance and strategic oversight to ensure program priorities align with national needs and complement regional and national initiatives.
Participants include National Meteorological and Hydrological Service Directors, Lands and Survey representatives, the Pacific Disability Forum, and key regional stakeholders.
Strengthening Partnerships and Regional Coordination
The gathering provides a critical opportunity for partners to review progress, share experiences, and shape future program activities, with a strong focus on national ownership and aligning regional initiatives with country priorities.
Palau’s hosting of the session underscores its commitment to supporting regional dialogue and advancing practical, future-focused climate and ocean services.
In closing, both Palau and Australia reaffirmed their shared commitment to partnership and resilience in the Pacific.
“The challenges we face are shared, and so too must be the solutions,” Ambassador Sharpe said.
The outcomes of the annual session are expected to guide the planning of COSPPac 3 for the next financial year, ensuring continued support for Pacific Island countries in adapting to a changing climate and safeguarding their people, economies, and environments.