Cook Islands announces dates and theme for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting

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The Government of the Cook Islands has announced that it will host the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM52) from 06 – 10 November 2023 in Rarotonga under the theme of “Our Voices, Our Choices, Our Pacific Way: Promote, Partner, Prosper.”

The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Mark Brown, as Chair and host of PIFLM52, expressed his excitement for the upcoming Forum, saying that “hosting the PIF Leaders Meeting is a significant event for the Cook Islands and our Pacific region.”

“We have been planning and consulting extensively to ensure our theme serves to inspire and empower our Leaders gathering and our hosting arrangements and facilities provide a conducive environment for the deliberations of our Pacific Leaders and partners of the Pacific,” said Prime Minister Brown.

“Our theme represents the collective voice and aspirations of our Pacific people, highlighting the importance of promoting our unique Pacific Way, forging strong partnerships, and driving prosperity in our region.

“The creative work behind crafting the theme and designing our official logo has been a collaborative effort with input across our community,2 added Prime Minister Brown. “It is an expression of our shared vision for a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous Te Moana Nui a Kiva – Blue Pacific Continent.”

To facilitate communication and coordination among participants, the Government, via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) as National Coordinator for PIFLM52, have developed a dedicated website www.piflm52.com which will contain relevant information about the Forum, including key dates, contact information, news updates, and logistical details.

The website can also be found via MFAI’s website www.mfai.gov.ck, and will be updated as arrangements are finalised, with information becoming available to support delegates and broader Cook Islands community participation.

“We are committed to ensuring a successful and meaningful Forum that will strengthen regional cooperation and address the pressing challenges facing our region,” added Secretary of MFAI Tepaeru Herrmann.

“Just as we did in 2012 when we last hosted the Forum Leaders Meeting, we hope to engage our people in as many aspects of the hosting as possible. MFAI will within the coming weeks reach out to various stakeholders to ensure inclusive participation by our communities and private sector, including on our pa enua, in our delivery of PIFLM52.

“We look forward to welcoming all Forum Leaders and delegates to our beautiful Cook Islands, where we look forward to working together to shape a brighter future for our Pacific people.”

The official logo for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting features elements of the Cook Islands’ cultural heritage and natural environment, and represents the unity and diversity of the Pacific region.

The confirmed dates for PIFLM52 hosting considered the international schedule of Pacific Leaders commitments, flights to and from the Cook Islands, and accommodation availability.

MFAI have drawn from the experience and learnings of the Cook Islands’ last hosting of the Forum Leaders Meeting which was held in 2012.

SOURCE: COOK ISLANDS GOVT/PACNEWS