HONOLULU (Oct. 24, 2024) – The East-West Center’s Board of Governors has elected the Hon. Henry Tuakeu Puna, former Cook Islands Prime Minister and recent Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, as one of the board’s five international members.
“We are delighted that Prime Minister Puna has agreed to join us on the EWC Board of Governors,” said Board Chairman John Waihe‘e III, former Governor of Hawai‘i. “His deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics in the Pacific will be invaluable in helping us fulfill the Center’s mission of enhancing understanding and cooperation among our region’s nations and peoples.”
“I am no stranger to the East-West Center and am extremely honored and humbled to serve on the board of such an illustrious institution,” Prime Minister Puna said. “Having recently served the Pacific region for a brief term as the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, this role will allow me to continue to serve the region in a different capacity and environment.”
About the EWC Board of Governors:
The East-West Center Board of Governors consists of 18 members. The Governor of Hawai‘i appoints five members, the US Secretary of State appoints five members, and these ten members in turn elect five members from Asia and the Pacific. There are also three ex-officio members: the Governor of Hawai‘i, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the President of the University of Hawai‘i. In addition to the members, the board also welcomes three nonvoting invitees from the EWC Foundation, alumni association, and the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders.
About Hon. Henry Puna:
The Hon. Henry Puna served as Prime Minister of the Cook Islands from 2010 to 2020, focusing on issues such as sustainable development, climate change, and regional cooperation. During his time as Prime Minister, he also held various additional ministerial portfolios, including Foreign Affairs, Marine Resources, and Energy. Among other challenges, his administration led the Cook Islands initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including working to allow Cook Islanders stranded overseas to return home.
As Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum from 2021 until May of this year, he worked to enhance cooperation among Pacific nations on issues such as economic development, environmental sustainability, and regional security. He has advocated for the interests of small island developing states in international forums and promoted climate resiliency and economic sustainability in the Pacific region, including the adoption of the Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent during his tenure.
The EAST-WEST CENTER promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the US Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options.