Pacific islanders need government's endorsement to get top job [1]
Thursday, August 28, 2008 - 12:18. Updated on Thursday, September 11, 2014 - 16:11.
Editor,
It is heartening to note that the Tongan Government is utilizing the regional processes such as the Forum Leaders' meeting to promote Tongans and seek regional support of these Tongans to serve at international organisations. It would be interesting to know the "how" - the national process in Tonga to identify Tongans that the Government would support all the way for endorsement at national to regional and to international levels. There has been many opportunities missed for Tongans and other Pacific islanders to compete at the regional and international levels for senior positions, yet many of our people do not know the "how to" to obtain that endorsement from Government.
We have also heard too many times of the "under-representation" from the Pacific in international arenas and organizations. It is not that we in Tonga or the Pacific do not have the expertise, but rather do not seize the opportunities and strategize to position our "wantoks" at these positions. Instead, we come to learn of the one-offs now and then of one name or so being pushed from the Pacific.
The Pacific has been urged to become more visible at the international stage. However, we cannot do this without putting our house in order and starting from home. How could we set the stage and create the space for our citizens to be promoted at these international levels? A few Pacific islanders have made it all the way on their own - but we could do better! We must create that enabling environment for all citizens (males and females) to be ready to compete for international jobs and have a better game plan rather than the same old same old ad-hoc approach. The quest remains, "who" do we promote and "how to" win that favour from Governments!
On the same token, we have not seen one Pacific Government using the same process (Forum Leaders Meeting) to pursue a female candidate for the UN CEDAW Committee or any other international arena or job. Just another manifestation of the too many manifestations of how women continue to struggle to break the glass ceiling!
The Forum also endorsed the appointment of Tuiloma Nerony Slade, a 67-year old diplomat of Samoa to the position of the Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat. By the end of his first-term, Mr. Slade would be 70 years old, yes 70 years old! Could now be the right time for Tonga to plan for a Tongan male/female to be the next Forum Secretariat's Secretary General, and more Tongans for other regional and international opportunities?
Sincerely,
Sei Mosooi
ameliakinahoi [at] yahoo [dot] com [dot] au