Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, the Honourable Mark Brown, attended the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) earlier this week at the invitation of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, reaffirming the Cook Islands’ leadership in sustainable ocean governance and blue economic development.
Held on the margins of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), BEFF brings together heads of government, multilateral institutions, financial actors, and civil society to accelerate investment and innovation for the ocean economy. Prime Minister Brown joined the Forum alongside counterparts from small island developing states and global stakeholders to highlight the Pacific’s priorities and leadership on the sustainable use of marine resources.
While attending the Forum, Prime Minister Brown participated in the Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity (UBPP) side event, where he reflected on the Cook Islands’ commitment to economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and Pacific-led partnerships.
“Across the Pacific, the ocean is not only our environment, it is our economy, our identity, and our responsibility. As we pursue sustainable blue growth, we must ensure that ocean financing is accessible, equitable, and grounded in our lived realities,” said Prime Minister Brown.
The Prime Minister’s participation at BEFF complemented his broader message at the United Nations Ocean Conference, where he reaffirmed the need for greater access to climate and ocean financing for small island developing states, the importance of science-led policy in blue economic planning, and fair benefit-sharing mechanisms for marine resources.
The Cook Islands’ participation at BEFF follows the country’s recent leadership efforts, including the creation of the Pacific’s first Ra’ui To’ora, a dynamic ocean protection zone for whales grounded in traditional knowledge and marine science, and progress on the proposed Institute of Blue Ocean Sustainability and Science (IBOSS).
“Our vision is clear, we need a fit-for-purpose international ocean governance system – one that recognises coastal states as primarily custodians, that uplifts knowledge, and channels finance to those doing the work,” said Prime Minister Brown.
The Forum also offers a platform for the Cook Islands to engage with public and private sector partners, with a view to unlocking sustainable investment and research partnerships that align with national and regional development strategies.
