Bidisha Pillai has been appointed as the director and representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for the Pacific Island Countries. With over 30 years of experience in leadership roles focused on advocacy, strategic partnerships, program management, and policy influence, Ms. Pillai is well-equipped for her new role. She previously served as UNFPA’s representative in Liberia, where she played a key role in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, advancing gender equality, and empowering youth.
Ms. Pillai has held significant leadership positions, including the Global Policy, Advocacy, and Campaigns director at Save the Children International, and was the CEO of Save the Children India, successfully overseeing large-scale development programs with a team of 400 professionals. Her earlier work includes engagement with the UK Department for International Development and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, specifically focusing on child rights, gender equity, and public health.
Recognized for delivering impactful results, Ms. Pillai emphasizes strategic partnerships with governments and local communities. Her collaborative approach has enhanced the effectiveness of programs and policies, ensuring collective ownership and optimized resource utilization. She is a passionate advocate for women’s and children’s rights, quality education, and accessible reproductive health services.
This appointment coincides with ongoing discussions about Fiji’s National Population Policy, which aims to address demographic changes and align population trends with national development goals. Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, has acknowledged the UNFPA’s crucial role in supporting this initiative. The collaboration between Fiji and UNFPA highlights a commitment to sustainable development and demonstrates a proactive approach to securing a resilient future for the Fijian population.
Ms. Pillai’s leadership is expected to further strengthen future initiatives, aligning with UNFPA’s Pacific Multi-Country Programme and fostering optimism for collaborative efforts that aim to benefit the population and improve quality of life across Fiji and the broader Pacific region. This development represents a significant step toward addressing demographic challenges while promoting inclusive growth.
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