Sione Tu’itahi, the first Indigenous president of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE), decided to step down after completing his term.
The Tongan health leader announced this following the successful co-hosting of the 2025 World Conference on Health Promotion in Abu Dhabi last week.
Tu’itahi, who has served as Global President since 2022, leaves behind a legacy of integrating Indigenous knowledge and planetary health into global health promotion strategies.
Under his leadership, the IUHPE expanded its focus to include environmental sustainability and traditional wisdom, reshaping conversations on wellbeing worldwide.
Reflecting on his tenure, Tu’itahi highlighted key milestones, including the 2019 IUHPE World Conference in New Zealand, where his organisation, the Health Promotion Forum of New Zealand, pioneered the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in global health discourse.
“Successfully co-chairing the 2025 World Conference in Abu Dhabi was a significant milestone for Pou (his wife) and I,” he said.
“For more than a decade, we travelled the world” advocating for the well-being of our human family and the health of our only planet, Tu’itahi said.
Tu’itahi chose not to seek a second term, opting instead to pass the torch to Professor Louise Potvin, his colleague and friend, who now assumes the presidency. He will remain involved as Immediate Past President, offering guidance during the transition.
“On the final day of the conference, I stepped down and handed over the leadership to the incoming President,” he said.
Tu’itahi credited his wife, Pou, for her unwavering support throughout his career.
“Pou was always by my side, watching my health and managing my workload … with unconditional love,” he said. “Without such support, I would have never achieved my goals.”
The couple’s dedication to service spans over 40 years, rooted in their shared pledge to serve humanity with “love, justice, and humility.”
In his farewell remarks, Tu’itahi emphasised the importance of leading with purpose and humility.
“When you lead with the right spirit, for the right reasons and for the right purpose, the right outcomes will come. You will be led, you will be guided, and you will be empowered to face all challenges, no matter what”
As he transitions from the presidency, Tu’itahi expressed gratitude to colleagues worldwide, reaffirming his belief in collective action for global wellbeing.
“We are thankful to all our friends around the world for the love and support.,” he said.
