New Leader Takes Helm at University of the South Pacific

The University of the South Pacific (USP) has appointed Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Council, effective from November 27, 2024. This decision was made during the Council’s 98th meeting held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, on November 25.

Utoikamanu is a seasoned professional in international development, boasting over 40 years of expertise in public financial management, public administration reform, good governance, project management, and independent consultancy. His extensive work has spanned across various nations in the Pacific, including Tonga, Fiji, Tuvalu, Niue, Samoa, Nauru, Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands.

Having previously served as the Director of the Pacific Islands Centre for Public Administration (PICPA) from 2012 to 2015, Utoikamanu has a significant history with USP. He is also an alumnus, having completed his Preliminary Programme there in 1974. His academic credentials are robust, holding multiple master’s degrees in development finance and commerce from prestigious universities in the UK and New Zealand, and a bachelor’s degree with honors in commerce.

In addition to his impressive educational background, Utoikamanu holds various professional memberships, including those with the American Economic Association and the Asia and the Pacific Policy Society at Australian National University. He has also served on key boards, including the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company, and is a member of the Kingdom of Tonga Privy Council.

As an author, he has contributed to literature on fiscal governance and public sector management. Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Emeritus Professor Pat Walsh, expressed that USP is privileged to have such a distinguished professional take on this vital role, especially as the University enters a new developmental phase.

This appointment marks a promising chapter for the University of the South Pacific, as Utoikamanu’s wealth of knowledge and experience is expected to guide the institution towards greater achievements and advancements in the Pacific region. His leadership could foster enhanced educational opportunities and initiatives, reinforcing USP’s position as a vital player in regional development.