Mark Stephen Brown Prime Minister of the Cook Islands since 1 October 2020 Date of Birth: 28.02.1963

Content:

1. Mark Brown
2. Public Service and Political Career
3. Prime Ministership
4. Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum
5. International Recognition

Mark Brown

Early Life and Education

Born in Avarua, Rarotonga, Mark Brown received his formative education at Nikao Maori School, Tereora College, and Gisborne Boys' High School in New Zealand. He holds a Diploma in Public Sector Management from Massey University and an MBA from the University of the South Pacific.

Public Service and Political Career

Brown served in the public sector as a policy advisor to the Prime Minister, Director of Agriculture, and project developer. He also held positions as Vice-President of the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce and President of the Cook Islands Touch Association.

In 2006, Brown unsuccessfully contested the Takitumu-Tutakimoa electorate but was elected in the 2010 election. He was appointed Minister of Finance in December 2010. Brown was re-elected in 2014 and again in 2018, becoming Deputy Prime Minister under Henry Puna.

Prime Ministership

In 2019, Brown and Puna were accused of fraud but the charges were dismissed in 2021. When Puna announced his resignation in 2020 to pursue the role of Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, he appointed Brown as Acting Prime Minister. Upon Puna's departure, Brown was elected Prime Minister on October 1, 2020.

Brown inherited most of Puna's cabinet portfolios, including Finance and Foreign Affairs, but planned to redistribute them in 2021. In 2020, he announced a direct travel route between New Zealand and the Cook Islands without quarantine.

Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum

In 2022, Brown was elected Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum. He resigned as Cook Islands Prime Minister and assumed the new role.

International Recognition

Brown participated in the 2023 G7 Summit.

Kuka

Mark Stephen Brown