A Fijian has reportedly been selected as the new Director General for the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Photo: RNZI / Jamie Tahana
Amena Yauvoli, who is Fiji's Ambassador for Climate Change and Oceans, was confirmed as the new head of the MSG secretariat by Fiji's foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.
Pacnews reports that Mr Yauvoli was shortlisted with a top Vanuatu diplomat.
The former MSG director-general Peter Forau resigned late last year citing a lack of budgetary support and declining commitment from member states to the group's programme.
Mr Yauvoli's appointment is expected to be formalised at the MSG Special Leaders Summit next month at the MSG Secretariat in Vanuatu's capital Port Vila.
The Fijian diplomat was previously interim Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Development Forum, and a senior policy adviser for sustainable development with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.