THE Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has appointed Dr Salome Taufa as its director of Governance and Engagement.
In her new role, Dr Taufa will support the executive in the strategic leadership and delivery of the secretariat’s political, governance and engagement work program.
That will include supporting the Forum Leaders processes, overseeing the secretariat’s core political and governance functions, strengthening engagement and coordination across the regional system and through the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) agencies, as well as Forum Partners.
“I am deeply honoured by the appointment and grateful for the confidence placed in me to take on this responsibility. It is an exciting and meaningful time to be serving the Pacific region through the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat,” Dr Taufa told this newspaper.
“I look forward to contributing to the collective efforts of the secretariat and our Forum members as we advance shared regional priorities.”
Dr Taufa said the was both personally and professionally significant.
Having acted in the role over the past year, she said she had gained a strong appreciation of the responsibilities and expectations of the position, as well as its potential to support the secretariat in effectively serving the region.
“Having worked across a range of regional sectors — including fisheries, education, and economic development — this role presents an opportunity to bring together those experiences in a more integrated way.
“It is a privilege to be able to contribute to regional outcomes through the Forum Secretariat at a time when strong coordination and collective action are more important than ever.”
Dr Taufa said a central focus of the Forum Secretariat’s work was supporting the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
In this context, she said leaders had prioritised a review of the regional architecture to ensure that our regional systems and institutions were fit for purpose — “not only to deliver on agreed priorities, but also to respond effectively to evolving global and regional challenges”.
“These challenges span areas such as climate change, security, financing and broader geopolitical shifts, and they require us to continue adapting while remaining anchored in Pacific values and leadership.
“I am keen to support this important work, guided by the direction of Forum leaders, to help ensure that our regional architecture continues to deliver tangible outcomes for the Pacific.
“Another key aspect of my role will be supporting the effective implementation of decisions endorsed by Forum Leaders at the annual Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meetings. This will be undertaken in close collaboration with the CROP, recognising that our strength as a region lies in working together.
“We all work together as a region, so we progress our regional priorities, not only guiding how we engage within the region but also on how we interact and engage with international partners and agencies.”
Dr Taufa joined the forum in 2019 as Economics advisor and subsequently as acting director.
Prior to joining the secretariat, she held senior roles within the Tongan government, including as Head of the Economic Policy Division in the Ministry of Fisheries, where she contributed to the development of nationally endorsed policy and investment reforms.
Dr Salome Taufa. Picture: SUPPLIED
