Ms. Esther Lameko-Poutoa – Representing Polynesia on the Specialist Sub-Committee on Regionalism

The Specialist Sub-Committee on Regionalism recently welcomed four new members. The new member representing Polynesia is Esther Lameko-Poutoa, she is currently working as a Practicing Chartered Accountant & Consultant.

She has served in Samoa’s public sector for 25 years at the Office of the Controller & Auditor General and the Samoa National Provident Fund with 9 years as CEO of the latter. She holds a Master’s Degree in Business and Technology and an undergraduate degree in Accounting & Financial Management. She has wide experience in financial management, corporate governance, public policy, human resource management, business strategy and development, organizational capacity building and development, auditing and others. She has been instrumental in implementing positive change while building the financial performance, financial position and capacity of the entities which she served.

She is involved with the community through her role as a Board Trustee on Leadership Samoa, a platform she co-founded with colleagues aiming to develop, nurture and empower the emerging leaders of Samoa. She served for over 10 years in the executive council of the Samoa Institute of Accountants. She is active in the work of ‘Women in Leadership Advocacy Group’ promoting the development of effective and influential women leaders.

The sub-committee is appointed by the Forum Troika Panel and reports to the Forum Officials Committee. It plays a vital role in the implementation of the Framework for Pacific Regionalism. This expert panel makes important decisions on the regional priorities to be put forward for Pacific Islands Leaders consideration at their annual Forum.

The sub-committee applies the tests for regional action set out in the Framework, and draw on advice from a broad range of sources, including CROP agencies, to determine where the region’s needs are, and how best these can be addressed.

The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is the standing chair of the sub-committee. The seven other members are drawn from a range of diverse backgrounds, all possessing key skill sets and areas of expertise.