23 March 2026 – On World Meteorological Day, Niue marked an important milestone in strengthening community resilience with the official launch of the COPE: Be Ready for Disasters! book series, now translated into Vagahau Niue.

The launch took place at Niue Primary School in Alofi, bringing together government representatives, community leaders, meteorological experts, and partners from the Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) Programme under the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). The event highlighted the vital role of weather and climate services in protecting lives, while also introducing a new step forward in Niue’s approach to early warning systems and community preparedness.

Empowering Children Through Education

A key highlight of the event was the introduction of the COPE books—designed to help children understand hazards and learn how to respond safely.

For small island developing states like Niue, where communities are highly exposed to extreme weather and climate variability, education is a powerful tool for preparedness. By equipping children with knowledge, COPE helps ensure that life-saving information reaches not only classrooms, but also homes and entire communities.

As shared during the event, when children understand warnings and know what actions to take, they become active contributors to their families’ safety—turning knowledge into protection.

A Collective Effort for Resilience

The launch was attended by senior government officials, including Acting Prime Minister Hon. Sonia Talagi and Acting Minister of Natural Resources Hon. Talaititama Talaiti, alongside national and regional partners.

Speakers emphasised that preparedness goes beyond data and forecasting—it requires accessible, engaging education that empowers people of all ages. The COPE series plays a unique role in translating complex science into simple, practical actions that children can understand and share.

The Director of Niue Meteorological Service emphasised that the COPE books will play an important role in improving disaster preparation in communities, especially for children and young people, as they will go back to their families and communities and share the knowledge and information they learn at school.

“Investing in education resources that will directly support teachers and help children learn about natural hazards and disaster preparation and we acknowledge SPREP and the Weather Ready Pacific team in supporting the translation of the COPE books into Vagahau Niue,” said Ms Rossy Mitiepo, Director of the Niue Meteorological Service.

The WRP Programme Manager, Mr ‘Ofa Faanunu, during his remarks acknowledged the work of the Government of Niue, as showcased through the Niue Meteorological Services and its efforts that have culminated in today’s event.

“Children are not just future leaders: they are today’s communicators, influencers, and protectors of their families. When a child understands what a warning means, where to go, and what actions to take, they become a lifeline within their household and community. This is exactly what the COPE initiative is about, translating science into simple, practical actions that save lives,” said Mr Faanunu.

“Through the COPE booklets, we are not just observing and protecting; we are empowering. We are placing knowledge, confidence, and preparedness directly into the hands of the next generation.”

The translation of the COPE series into Vagahau Niue is part of the Weather Ready Pacific Programme’s broader efforts to ensure that early warning information reaches last-mile communities in ways that are meaningful and accessible.

By making these resources available in local languages, the initiative strengthens long-term awareness, preparedness, and resilience across Pacific Island communities.

Access the COPE Series

In addition to the printed books launched at the event, the full COPE series is now freely available online—expanding access to children, families, and educators across Niue and the wider Pacific region: