David Kabua facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honorable David Kabua
9th President of the Marshall Islands
In office 13 January 2020 – 3 January 2024
Preceded by	Hilda Heine
Succeeded by	Hilda Heine
10th Minister in Assistance to the President
In office 11 January 2016 – 28 January 2016
President	Casten Nemra
Preceded by	Wilbur Heine
Succeeded by	Mattlan Zackhras
Personal details
Born	1951 Majuro, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (now Marshall Islands)
Political party	Independent
Spouse	Ginger Kabua
Children	3
Parents	Amata Kabua Emlain Kabua

David Kabua, born in 1951, is a politician from the Marshall Islands. He was the President of the Marshall Islands from 2020 to 2024. Before becoming president, he represented Wotho Atoll in the country's parliament, called the Legislature of the Marshall Islands. He also worked as a minister, looking after health and internal affairs.

Early Life and Education

David Kabua was born in Majuro in 1951. He is the son of Amata Kabua, who was the first President of the Marshall Islands. His mother was Emlain Kabua, the former First Lady.

David Kabua finished high school at Xavier High School in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia in 1971. He later studied at the University of Hawaii in Manoa.

Early Career Paths

After his studies, Kabua worked in different roles. He was a teacher's aide and a student liaison officer. He also managed the Marshall Islands Development Authority. For four years, he served as the consul general for the Marshall Islands in Orange County, California, USA. He also owned his own business for ten years.

Political Journey

David Kabua started his political career in 2007. He was elected to the Legislature of the Marshall Islands to represent Wotho Atoll. He was re-elected in 2011.

Roles as Minister

During his second term, he served as the Minister of Health from 2012 to 2013. In 2014, he became the Minister of Internal Affairs. He was elected again in 2015. In January 2016, he served as the Minister in Assistance to the President of Marshall Islands under President Casten Nemra.

Becoming President

In the 2019 election, David Kabua was re-elected for Wotho Atoll. On January 6, 2020, he was chosen as the President of the Marshall Islands. The national parliament voted for him, with 20 votes in his favor. He took over from Hilda Heine, who had hoped for a second term.

As president, Kabua focused on important issues. He wanted to fight climate change, which is a big threat to island nations. He also worked on agreements with the United States for funding. Another priority was dealing with the Runit Dome, a site with nuclear waste.

In September 2020, Kabua wrote a public letter to The Guardian newspaper. He warned the world about the dangers of climate change to his country. He explained that the Marshall Islands could disappear if sea levels rise too much.

On January 3, 2024, Hilda Heine became president again, taking over from David Kabua.

Cabinet Members

David Kabua and his team of ministers were officially sworn into office on January 13, 2020. This ceremony was led by Chief Justice Carl Ingram.

Personal Life

David Kabua is married to Ginger Kabua. They have three children together.

See also

In Spanish: David Kabua para niños