'Emeline Siale 'Ilolahia is the new Executive Director for the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO) based in Suva, Fiji.

She is a long time Tongan civil society leader who joined the organisation as Deputy Executive Director in April last year.

She comes with more than 10-years of experience and a track record in promoting sustainable growth and social development in the region.

PIANGO Board Chair Sarah Nededong said they are blessed to have such passionate and committed leader to the Pacific.

“We are excited to have Ms. Ilolahia join the PIANGO regional Secretariat to strengthen our work with our members and civil society in the Islands."

In recent years, PIANGO has focused on regional and global advocacy and 'Emeline brings to the position a unique combination of experiences working at the regional and country level.

'Emeline will lead PIANGO’s National Liaison Units in 24 countries and territories throughout the Pacific, and head PIANGO at the upcoming High Level Political Forum in New York, the 59^th Pacific Islands Forum Meeting in Tuvalu and the PIANGO Council in April 2020.

She holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of the South Pacific, Graduate Diploma in Non-For-Profit Management from Unitec and Graduate Diploma in Public Sector Management from Massey University, in New Zealand.

'Emeline suceeds Emele Duituturaga who headed PIANGO for the past ten years.