Mark Brown, the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, urged regional Foreign Affairs Ministers gathered in Suva to refrain from relying on the goodwill of others. During his opening remarks at the 2024 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, he emphasized the increasing geostrategic interests in the region and the ongoing climate crisis that escalates each year.
“We face new and emerging challenges such as cyber-attacks and transnational crime,” Brown stated. He highlighted the importance of political solidarity among members, stressing that the forum should be ready to respond collectively when needed.
He expressed his satisfaction that the meeting was focused on strengthening shared priorities and making progress despite the external pressures faced by the region. Brown called for a more strategic and assertive approach to ensure that partners align with their shared aspirations and goals for 2050.
Encouraging open and constructive dialogue, he invited the members to maximize the opportunity for discussion. As he neared the end of his term as chair, Brown expressed gratitude to the ministers for their collaboration and support during his leadership of the Forum over the past 18 months. He acknowledged the honor and privilege it had been to serve in this role on behalf of the Cook Islands and its people.