The Tongan Chief Executive Officer for Tourism has been selected as new United Nations High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS).

UN Secretary-General has selected Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu of Tonga, who since January 2017 is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Tourism, Tonga.

“For the position of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Ms. ‘Utoikamanu brings with her a wealth of national, regional and international experience at various senior leadership levels, with a strategic perspective for the mandate of the OHRLLS and on building consensus among key stakeholders.

“She was previously Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Council of the University of the South Pacific (2015), Deputy Pro-Chancellor and Deputy Chair of the Council of the University of the South Pacific (2009-2016), Deputy Director General and Director of Education, Training and Human Development of the Secretariat of Pacific Community (2009-2015), Permanent Representative and Ambassador of the Government of Tonga to the United Nations, United States of America, Cuba and Venezuela and High Commissioner to Canada (2005-2009), and Secretary for Foreign Affairs and European Commission’s National Authorizing Officer for Tonga (2002-2005).

“The Secretary-General is grateful to the outgoing senior leaders who have served with distinction and true commitment to the ideals of the United Nations.

We will continue to make additional announcements in the coming weeks on other senior positions as the relevant selection processes are completed”.