Former Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna, has been appointed as the Interim Director of the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) at the East-West Centre. This appointment has been hailed as a significant milestone for the Cook Islands, reflecting Puna’s esteemed regional leadership and statesmanship.
Cook Islands Prime Minister, Mark Brown, expressed pride in this recognition, stating that it highlights an opportunity for the Cook Islands to strengthen their relationship with the East-West Centre. He emphasized that Puna’s leadership comes at a pivotal time when the Pacific region is gaining increased global attention, particularly in areas of economic and strategic development.
Puna, who has previously served as Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, will lead the PIDP during a crucial transition period. East-West Centre President Celeste Connors announced the appointment and emphasized a renewed focus on enhancing economic security in the Pacific, starting in 2026. Connors stressed the importance of creating new opportunities for investment and collaboration, which will ultimately foster long-term resilience in the region.
Looking ahead, the PIDP’s expanded engagement will kick off with the upcoming U.S. Investment Summit with Pacific Leaders from February 22 to 24. This event, co-hosted with the United States Department of State and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), aims to enhance U.S. government and private-sector participation in the Pacific, marking a significant advancement for the PIDP.
With this strategic focus on economic security and partnership, Puna’s appointment is expected to drive positive changes in regional policy, fortifying the Cook Islands’ role in the Pacific as it navigates future opportunities.
Leave a comment