RELEASE: Pacific Islands Forum welcomes Deputy Secretary General -Strategic Policy & Programming

Monday 19 June 2023, Forumsec SUVA– The Pacific Islands Forum is pleased to advise the appointment of Mr Esala Nayasi a Fiji national, as the Deputy Secretary General – Strategic Policy & Programming effective from 3 July 2023

Mr. Nayasi joins the Forum from the Government of Fiji, having served as civil servant and diplomat for the last 18 years at the national and multilateral level.

He has served at the senior levels of Government, including as Acting Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

SG Henry Puna has welcomed the appointment, noting incoming DSG Nayasi “was instrumental in the development of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent during Fiji’s chairing of the Pacific Islands Forum from August 2021 to February 2023, and his considerable experience will be a welcome addition to the Secretariat team as we continue to meet the mandate and direction of our leaders.”

As the incoming DSG leading Strategic Policy and Programming, or SPP, Mr Nayasi’s responsibilities will include advising the Secretary General on strategic regional policy development and the coherent and coordinated implementation of programmes and initiatives in response to Leaders’ decisions through existing regional architecture and mechanisms.

The new position aligns with implementation of the Suva Agreement and returns the Pacific Islands Forum to a two- deputy executive supporting the Secretary General in the effective and efficient management of the Secretariat.

The incoming Deputy SG-SPP holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies from the University of the South Pacific. —ENDS

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