PACIFIC Islands Forum Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has welcomed Mr. Baron Waqa as the new Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Mr. Waqa, a former President of the Republic of Nauru, is the first Nauruan national to assume the office of the Secretary General.
He also previously served as a Pacific Islands Forum Leader and Forum Chair.
PIF Chair Brown said PIF leaders are looking forward to working together with Waqa to advance the priorities of the region in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, for the benefit of the Pacific peoples.
“It is a great honour to have Secretary General Waqa at the helm of our Secretariat.
“Our vision is for a resilient Pacific region characterized by peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity, ensuring that all Pacific peoples can lead free, healthy, and productive lives.
“On behalf of our Members, I commend Secretary General Waqa and the work he will lead to achieve this collective vision,” stated Prime Minister Brown.
Mr. Waqa begins his tenure at the Secretariat this week.
