FORMER Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna, has now been appointed Interim Director of the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) at the East-West Centre.
Cook Islands Prime Minister, Mark Brown, said this was recognition of Henry’s regional statesmanship and a proud moment for the country.
“Our government looks forward to strengthening our relationship with the East-West Centre,’’ Cook said.
“Henry Puna’s appointment comes at a time of increasing global attention on the Pacific region and represents a significant milestone for the Cook Islands.
“Placing one of its most experienced leaders at the helm of a respected regional policy institution during a critical period of economic and strategic engagement.”
Puna is also a former prime minister of the Cook Islands.
His new appointment was announced by East-West Centre President Celeste Connors, who outlined a renewed and expanded strategic focus on Pacific economic security beginning in 2026.
“At the direction of our Board of Governors, the Centre will deepen and expand its longstanding work advancing economic security in the Pacific beginning in 2026 and beyond, Connors said.
“We are focused on creating new pathways for investment, collaboration, and long-term resilience in the Pacific, grounded in respect and trusted partnership.”
The expanded engagement will launch with the upcoming U.S. Investment Summit with Pacific Leaders, scheduled for February 22–24, hosted in partnership with the United States Department of State and United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).
The Summit is expected to strengthen U.S. government and private-sector engagement across the Pacific and marks a significant step in expanding the scope and impact of PIDP.