Former Cook Islands prime minister and secretary-general of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna, has been confirmed as the first Cook Islander appointed to the East-West Center Board of Governors based in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Easter West Center senior communications specialist Derek Ferrar confirmed this yesterday.

Puna was elected as one of the board’s five international members this week.

In a statement, the 75-year-old Puna said he was no stranger to the East-West Center and was extremely honoured and humbled to serve on the board.

“Having recently served the Pacific region for a brief term as the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, this role will allow me to continue to serve the region in a different capacity and environment,” Puna said.

Board chairman John Waihe‘e III said they were delighted that Puna had agreed to join them on the EWC Board of Governors.

“His deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics in the Pacific will be invaluable in helping us fulfil the Center’s mission of enhancing understanding and cooperation among our region’s nations and peoples.”

Puna was elected as secretary-general of the Pacific Islands Forum, replacing Meg Taylor in February 2021. He vacated the role at the end of his first term on May 23, this year where he was succeeded by Baron Waqa of Nauru.

During a visit to Rarotonga in May this year, Puna said he was planning to retire to his island home in Manihiki, but was keeping an open mind.

Puna served as prime minister of the Cook Islands from 2010 to 2020 and secretary-general of the Pacific Islands Forum from 2021 until May of this year.

During his time as prime minister, he also held various additional ministerial portfolios, including Foreign Affairs, Marine Resources, and Energy. Among other challenges, his administration led the Cook Islands initial response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including working to allow Cook Islanders stranded overseas to return home.

During his time as secretary general, he has advocated for the interests of small island developing states in international forums and promoted climate resiliency and economic sustainability in the Pacific region, including the adoption of the Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent during his tenure.

The East-West Center Board of Governors consists of 18 members. The Governor of Hawai‘i appoints five members, the US Secretary of State appoints five members, and these ten members in turn elect five members from Asia and the Pacific. There are also three ex-officio members: the Governor of Hawai‘i, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the President of the University of Hawai‘i.

The East-West Center promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue.

• Losirene Lacanivalu/East West Center