Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua was appointed as Chairman of the Board of a new regional inter-parliamentary institution, the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (PIPA).
The Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (PIPA) is a new regional interparliamentary institution formally established today, 28 August, at Sigatoka, Fiji.
Previously known as the Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group (PIPG), the transformation to PIPA signifies strengthening regional commitment of legislatures to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and shared legislative priorities among Pacific parliaments.
During the inaugural proceedings, member parliaments officially appointed the first-ever PIPA Board, comprising representatives from Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Solomon Islands, and Palau. In a unanimous decision, Lord Fakafanua was appointed as Chairman of the Board.
The new board members proceeded to signing the Statutes of PIPA, with Lord Fakafanua signing on behalf of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga.
PIPA Members also unanimously adopted the Natadola Declaration and confirmed Tahiti as the host and presidency of the first PIPA Conference to be held next year.
