Vanuatu celebrates historic appointment of Anna Naupa as MSG Director General

Vanuatu is celebrating a landmark achievement with the appointment of Dr. Anna Naupa as the new Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). This historic moment marks the first time a woman and a ni-Vanuatu citizen has held the top position in the regional organization's 40-year history.

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Today, Vanuatu stands proud. Dr Anna Naupa – one of our nation’s finest minds and respected leader in development – has been appointed Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

The Office of the Prime Minister described the appointment as a proud achievement for Vanuatu and the wider Melanesian region. "Today, Vanuatu stands proud," the statement read, recognizing Dr. Naupa as "one of our nation’s finest minds and respected leader in development."

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As a woman taking the helm, Naupa’s appointment sends a clear message to every young ni-Vanuatu girl: aspire for the best, because the highest offices in our region are within your reach. Her leadership will inspire a new generation to dream bigger and serve boldly.

Since the MSG's founding in 1986 by leaders from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and the FLNKS, Vanuatu had never before held the organization's highest post. The government emphasized the significance for women across the region, stating that Dr. Naupa's leadership "sends a clear message to every young ni-Vanuatu girl: aspire for the best, because the highest offices in our region are within your reach."

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The Vanuatu Government holds immense confidence in Dr. Naupa’s capabilities, leadership, and integrity. We commend the MSG and the selection team for a transparent process that has delivered the right leader for this moment.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat expressed immense confidence in Dr. Naupa's capabilities, leadership, and integrity. He commended the MSG and the selection team for a transparent process. "Vanuatu believes the success of the MSG under Dr. Naupa’s leadership will depend on never losing sight of that founding spirit, solidarity, justice, and self-determination for our peoples," Napat said, wishing her strength and wisdom in her critical role.

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Vanuatu believes the success of the MSG under Dr. Naupa’s leadership will depend on never losing sight of that founding spirit, solidarity, justice, and self-determination for our peoples.