A Pacific politics expert and ni-Vanuatu woman has become the first woman to be appointed to lead the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat.
Anna Naupa, described by the Vanuatu government as “one of the nation’s finest minds”, is the new director-general of the sub-regional bloc, which is headquartered in Port Vila.
The MSG is made up of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Fiji and the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) of New Caledonia.
In a statement on Wednesday, Vanuatu’s Office of the Prime Minister said Naupa’s appointment was “a histroic moment”.
“Since the MSG was founded in 1986 by the giants of Melanesia – Paias Wingti of Papua New Guinea, Fr Walter Lini of Vanuatu, Ezekiel Alebua of Solomon Islands, and our brothers from the FLNKS – Vanuatu has waited 40 years to lead this organization. Today, that wait ends,” it said.
It said Naupa’s appointment sends a clear message to every young ni-Vanuatu girl to “aspire for the best, because the highest offices in our region are within your reach”.
Naupa’s leadership will inspire a new generation to dream bigger and serve boldly, it added.
The Vanuatu government said it holds immense confidence in Naupa’s capabilities, leadership, and integrity, and commended the MSG and the selection team for a transparent process “that has delivered the right leader for this moment”.
Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat congratulated Naupa.
“We know the MSG was born from struggle – its heart has always been the political aspirations of the Kanak people and the big issues facing Melanesia,” the Office of the Prime Minister’s statement said.
“Over the years the organisation has grown, expanding its focus to trade, sports, culture, and other areas of common interest that bind our nations. 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.
“Anna, you carry not just a title, but the hopes of a region. You carry Vanuatu’s pride, Melanesia’s trust, and the spirit of Fr Walter Lini’s vision.”
Naupa replaces Papua New Guinea’s Leonard Louma, who was appointed in February 2022 and finished his term in late 2024.
Solomon Islander Ilan Kiloe, who is the political and security affairs programme manager, was acting in the role following Louma’s departure.
The MSG Secretariat has not made any official announcements on Naupa’s appointment.
