The University of the South Pacific Council has announced the appointment of Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu as the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Council, effective from November 27, 2024. The decision was made during the Council’s 98th meeting, which took place in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, on November 25.
Utoikamanu brings over four decades of notable experience in international development, focusing on public financial management, public administration reform, good governance, project management, and independent consultancy. His extensive career has included work across various Pacific nations including Tonga, Fiji, Tuvalu, Niue, Samoa, Nauru, Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands.
A familiar face at USP, Utoikamanu served as the Director of the Pacific Islands Centre for Public Administration (PICPA) from 2012 to 2015. He is also an alumnus of the University, having completed his Preliminary Programme there in 1974.
His academic credentials are impressive, featuring a Master of Social Science in Development Finance from Birmingham University, a Master of Commerce and Administration from Victoria University of Wellington, and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Commerce and Administration from the same institution.
Utoikamanu holds memberships with notable organizations such as the American Economic Association and the Asia and the Pacific Policy Society at the Australian National University, along with various roles including Director at the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company and a member of the Kingdom of Tonga Privy Council. He is also published in topics covering fiscal governance, public sector management, and economics.
Emeritus Professor Pat Walsh, the Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Council, praised Utoikamanu’s remarkable credentials and expressed that the University is privileged to have such an esteemed professional leading them into their next developmental phase.
This appointment marks a significant step for the University of the South Pacific, which continues to invest in experienced leadership to navigate future challenges and opportunities. With Utoikamanu at the helm, there is a strong sense of optimism for the continued progress and growth of the institution.
In summary, Utoikamanu’s extensive experience and strong academic background position him to contribute significantly to the university’s future. His leadership comes at a crucial time, and there is anticipation that his tenure will bring positive developments for the University of the South Pacific and its communities.
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