How we are helping
On 1 January 2020, Cook Islands graduated from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) list of Official Development Assistance (ODA) Recipients.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the strong performance of the Cook Islands' tourism industry resulted in a relatively high GDP per capita, supporting the OECD's decision to classify the Cook Islands as a high income-country. The pandemic caused a significant contraction in the Cook Islands' economy; which remains dependent on the tourism industry.
Australia has provided $10 million since 2020-21 in non-ODA funds to support Cook Islands' transition following its graduation from ODA-eligibility. Our ongoing direct budget support ($2 million annually) helps the Cook Islands Government to deliver on shared priorities including improved health and security outcomes, cyber cooperation, capacity development of essential services and environmental protection, as well as support to NGOs to implement community development projects.
ODA achieved program activities
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2019-20 total Australian ODA estimated outcome
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$3.7 million
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2019-20 bilateral budget estimate outcome
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$1.9 million
Prior to 1 January 2020, Australia worked with New Zealand through a delegated cooperation arrangement to support Cook Islands' long-term prosperity. Australia supported development activities to:
- improve water and sanitation (SDG 6) by upgrading septic tanks to a reticulated sanitation system and providing technical assistance to strengthen the regulatory environment
- improve quality of education (SDG 4) through budget support and
- improve women's economic participation (SDG 5) and eliminate violence against women.