The Pacific Islands Forum has officially announced the appointment of Desna Solofa as its new Deputy Secretary General for Governance, starting from June 24, 2024. Prior to her new role, Solofa was an integral part of the Government of Samoa, where she held the role of Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Relations Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
She also has valuable experience from her previous tenure at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat where she served as a Political Issues Adviser from 2009-2011 and subsequently as the Director of Political Governance from 2012-2015.
Secretary-General Baron Waqa congratulated Solofa on her appointment, highlighting her career accomplishments at the national level and her ample regional experience. His comments shed light on her potential contribution to the Forum and its strategic 2050 implementation plan, emphasizing her expertise in regional political development, governance, and security.
In her position as Deputy Secretary General for Governance, Solofa will be responsible for working closely not only with fellow Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi, but also the various teams across multiple divisions such as Corporate, Programmes and Initiatives, Governance and Engagement, and Policy.
The introduction of this role is in line with the implementation of the Suva Agreement and reinstates the two-deputy executive arrangement of the Pacific Islands Forum, led by Secretary General Baron Waqa.