Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown welcomes our Pacific Islands leaders, partners and guests to the Cook Islands.

I extend a warm Cook Islands Kia Orana to all my esteemed fellow Pacific Leaders and friends of Te Moana Nui a Kiva – our Blue Pacific Continent – who have gathered in Rarotonga for the 52^nd Meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders (PIFLM52).

As a founding member of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Cook Islands remains steadfast in its commitment to a united region, driven by our 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent – a visionary compass for our shared future.

A special welcome also to our distinguished partners and guests who have travelled from afar to bolster our collective efforts this (coming) week. Your presence underscores your dedication to addressing the challenges on our agenda, and I extend my heartfelt appreciation for making the journey to join us.

I would also like to welcome our Pacific and international media who have travelled here this week. Your presence will be instrumental in getting our messages across and it is my sincere hope that you will listen to our voice and help us ensure that we are heard.

The theme for our gathering this week, “Our Voices, Our Choices, Our Pacific Way – Promote, Partner, Prosper,” embodies the collective voice and aspirations of our Pacific people. It underscores the significance of championing our unique Pacific Way, forging robust partnerships, and advancing prosperity throughout our region.

This theme aligns with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which outlines our long-term approach to collaborative efforts as a region and as individual countries, communities, and citizens of the Pacific. It frames our regional cooperation and broader actions around seven key thematic areas, designed to foster the advancement of our region.

This week, our meeting is poised to endorse the 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan – a plan conceived by the Pacific, for the Pacific. This plan will be instrumental in securing the well-being and prosperity of all Pacific people, enabling them to lead lives that are free, healthy, and productive.

I am also thrilled to announce our intent to launch the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity Initiative. This initiative will identify regional priorities in alignment with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. It will serve as our guiding light in future engagements with our partners, solidifying our commitment to a prosperous and united Pacific.

As a proud Cook Islander, I am equally excited to showcase our beautiful country to you. I hope you can carve out some time to relish the splendour of our island and get amongst our people.

As Forum Chair, Prime Minister, and on behalf of the people of the Cook Islands, I extend my deepest gratitude to you for being a part of this special occasion. May your time with us be filled with meaningful connections, inspiring discussions, and cherished memories that will stay with you long after you depart our shores.

Te Moana Nui a Kiva, Kia Rangatira!

Hon. Mark Brown

Prime Minister of the Cook Islands

Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum