The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat has officially welcomed its newly appointed Director General, Dr Anna Naupa, who assumed her duties Monday, 27 July 2026, at the Secretariat’s headquarters in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
It marks an important moment for the Secretariat and for the wider Melanesian family, as the organisation continues to advance the shared priorities of its Member Countries and uphold the founding values of Melanesian solidarity, cooperation, respect, and collective progress.
This historic appointment also marks Dr Naupa as the first female and first ni-Vanuatu Director General of the MSG Secretariat, an achievement that carries profound significance and offers renewed hope and inspiration to women and girls across Melanesia.
Ilan Kiloe, who served as Acting Director General during the transition period, extended his warm congratulations to Dr. Naupa and reaffirmed the Secretariat’s full support for her leadership.
“The Secretariat looks forward to working under Dr. Naupa’s leadership as we continue to advance the shared priorities of our Member Countries and strengthen Melanesian solidarity,” said Kiloe.
As the Secretariat enters this new chapter, it reaffirms its commitment to teamwork, transparency, and transformative action across the foundational pillars of political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
In assuming office during Vanuatu’s independence anniversary period, Dr Naupa acknowledged the enduring wisdom, strength, and courage of the region’s founding leaders, whose vision continues to guide the collective aspirations of Melanesia.
Dr Naupa also reflected on her personal connection to Vanuatu’s national journey, recalling the public service of her late father, who served as Minister of Health and Minister of Public Works, and the contribution of her mother as an educator/Teacher at Malapoa College, where many of Vanuatu’s contemporary leaders were shaped.
Outlining her immediate strategic priorities, Dr Naupa emphasised her commitment to strengthening the Secretariat’s Corporate Services, Political, and Trade programmes to better serve the MSG membership and support the implementation of Leaders’ decisions.
The MSG Secretariat extends its highest regards to Dr Naupa and wishes her every success as she undertakes this esteemed role at the helm of the organisation.
