Henry Puna, the former Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, has been appointed as the Interim Director of the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) at the East-West Centre. This significant development was announced by Celeste Connors, President of the East-West Centre, as the organization embarks on a renewed focus on Pacific economic security, set to commence in 2026.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown expressed pride in Puna’s appointment, highlighting it as a testament to his regional leadership and statesmanship. Brown emphasized the importance of this recognition for the Cook Islands, stating that it creates an opportunity for strengthening relationships with the East-West Centre.
Puna, who has previously served as the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, assumes this role during a pivotal time for the Pacific region, which is increasingly attracting global attention. His leadership is expected to guide PIDP’s efforts towards enhancing economic collaboration and resilience in the Pacific.
Connors elaborated on the strategic direction of the PIDP, mentioning a new focus on developing pathways for investment and cooperation while emphasizing the importance of trust and partnership. The engagement strategy will kick off with the U.S. Investment Summit with Pacific Leaders scheduled for February 22–24. This summit, hosted in collaboration with the United States Department of State and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), aims to bolster connections between U.S. authorities and the private sector across the Pacific, marking a significant advancement in PIDP’s initiatives.
As this new chapter unfolds, there is an optimistic outlook on the potential for enhanced economic security and collaborative efforts in the Pacific, driven by Puna’s experienced leadership at PIDP.