Official opening of the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity Pavilion during the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting
The Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, delivered a speech at the official opening of the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity Pavilion during the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting 2023. The Pavilion, located at the Punanga Nui Market, serves as a platform to celebrate Pacific climatic resilience, economic innovation, and community enterprise. The initiative aims to contribute to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent marked by peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and increased prosperity.
The Pavilion focuses on 'Our People - Our Voices, Our Choices, Our Pacific Way', the theme of this year’s Forum. It aligns with twelve initiatives under the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity (PPfP), including safeguarding and promoting Pacific cultures and traditions, strengthening cybersecurity arrangements, and championing a global plastics treaty. The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the Punanga Nui Market, drawing parallels with the resilience demonstrated after Cyclone Sally in 1986 and 1987.
The speech emphasised the importance of ownership by the Pacific of these initiatives and the need for political and financial commitment. The Pavilion will showcase the impact of these programmes through side events, exhibition booths, and stalls by national, regional, and international agencies and partners. One example highlighted is the 'Mobilizing Resources for the Weather Ready Pacific Decadal Programme of Investment,' which aims to better equip national meteorological services to protect lives and property during natural disasters.
The success of the PPfP hinges on securing essential political and financial commitment, providing early impactful wins, and effectively channelling international partners' efforts through collaboration and consultation. The speech concluded with a reaffirmation of the vision for the Blue Pacific Continent and gratitude for participants at the Punanga Nui Market, the heart of their mission.