Vanuatu has hailed the appointment of Dr Anna Naupa as the new Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), making her the first woman and first ni-Vanuatu to lead the regional organisation in its 40-year history.
In a statement the Office of Prime Minister Jotham Napat described the appointment as a historic achievement for Vanuatu and the wider Melanesian region.
“Today, Vanuatu stands proud.
“Dr Anna Naupa – one of our nation’s finest minds and respected leader in development – has been appointed Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG),” the statement said.
The government noted that since the MSG was founded in 1986 by former leaders including Paias Wingti, Walter Lini, Ezekiel Alebua and representatives of the FLNKS, Vanuatu had never held the organisation’s top post.
“This is a historic moment. Since the MSG was founded in 1986 by the giants of Melanesia – Paias Wingti of Papua New Guinea, Father Walter Lini of Vanuatu, Ezekiel Alebua of Solomon Islands, and our brothers from the FLNKS – Vanuatu has waited 40 years to lead this organisation. Today, that wait ends.”
The Prime Minister’s Office said Dr Naupa’s appointment was also significant for women across the region, highlighting the importance of female leadership in regional institutions.
“As a woman taking the helm, Naupa’s appointment sends a clear message to every young ni-Vanuatu girl: aspire for the best, because the highest offices in our region are within your reach. Her leadership will inspire a new generation to dream bigger and serve boldly.”
The government expressed confidence in Dr Naupa’s ability to lead the regional organisation and praised the selection process that led to her appointment.
“The Vanuatu Government holds immense confidence in Dr Naupa’s capabilities, leadership, and integrity. We commend the MSG and the selection team for a transparent process that has delivered the right leader for this moment.”
Prime Minister Napat also extended his congratulations and best wishes to the incoming Director General.
He wishes her strength, wisdom, and every success as she takes up this critical role.
“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. 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 Father Walter Lini’s vision. Go well, lead boldly, and make Melanesia shine,” he said.
“Congratulations, Director General Dr Anna Naupa,” said PM Napat.
Meanwhile, Fiji’s Prime Minister and Chair of MSG, Sitiveni Rabuka, has extended his warm congratulations to Dr Anna Naupa of Vanuatu on her appointment as the new Director General of the MSG Secretariat.
Rabuka welcomed the appointment as a significant milestone for both Vanuatu and the wider Melanesian family, noting that Dr Naupa brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership credentials, and a deep understanding of the region’s development priorities.
“As Chair of the MSG, I congratulate Dr Anna Naupa on her appointment and wish her every success as she assumes this important leadership role,” Rabuka said in a statement.
“Her appointment reflects the confidence of MSG members in her ability to guide the Secretariat and advance our shared vision for a stronger and more prosperous Melanesia.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged the historic nature of the appointment, marking the first time a ni-Vanuatu has been selected to lead the MSG Secretariat since the organisation’s establishment in 1986.
“Dr Naupa’s appointment is also an important achievement for women across Melanesia and the Pacific. Her success demonstrates the growing contribution of women in leadership and serves as an inspiration to future generations throughout our region,” he said.
Prime Minister Rabuka reaffirmed the MSG’s enduring commitment to the principles upon which it was founded — solidarity, cooperation, respect, and support for the aspirations of Melanesian peoples.
“Under Dr Naupa’s leadership, we look forward to building on these achievements while remaining true to the values and vision that have guided the MSG for four decades.”
Dr Naupa thanked the MSG and secretariat for her appointment, saying she is ready to serve and fulfill her duties for the benefit of Melanesia.
