Chair of SPC’s 14th Pacific Community Conference, Crown Prince, Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister responsible for His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga has announced the appointment of Dr Paula Vivili as incoming Director-General of the Pacific Community (SPC).
The decision was announced at the conclusion of the 14th Conference of the Pacific Community Friday, in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
Dr Vivili, will be the 23rd Director-General to serve SPC and its 27 members. He assumes the roles as the first Tongan to be appointed to lead the organisation since.
Dr Vivili takes on the role in a region where resilience and the need for just transition are increasingly in focus, due to the growing threat of climate change, and its impacts on Pacific communities. In a changing and dynamic environment, the role of SPC is becoming increasingly important as an extension of the countries as it collaborates with partners to meet member needs.
Speaking after the announcement Dr Vivili expressed his commitment to serving the people of the Pacific in his new role.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be given the trust of the members to serve the Pacific Community as Director-General. I look forward to working with the members, partners, and the very talented staff to progress SPC’s vision. I look forward to times of reflection, consultation and collective decision making and actions to take our work to the next level, building in the solid results left behind by Dr Minchin.”
Dr Vivili previously served as SPC’s Deputy Director General, Science and Capability for five years and before that as the Director for the Public Health Division for six years. Prior to joining SPC, he worked for the Ministry of Health in Tonga for almost 20 years.
Outgoing Director-General, Dr Stuart Minchin departs the organisation to lead the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and he looks forward to continuing to work with Dr Vilivi and SPC into the future.
“Dr Vivili’s leadership and vision will be instrumental in continuing to advance our commitment and delivery to our Pacific communities and I am honoured to be passing the reigns of such an instrumental organisation that really is anchored in Pacific values, communities and the outcomes we need for the future we deserve,” he said.
Dr Vivili trained in Human Nutrition (Otago University), Medicine (Fiji School of Medicine / University of the South Pacific), Ophthalmology (University of Auckland / Auckland Public Hospital) and International Public Health (University of Sydney) and is an honorary fellow of the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine.
Dr Vivili will officially take up his new role as the organisation’s 23rd Director-General in November 2025, succeeding Dr Stuart Minchin, who has held the position since 2020.
