Dr. Paula Vivili is the first Tongan to be appointed Director-General of the Pacific Community (SPC), the Chair of the SPC’s 14th Pacific Community Conference, HRH Crown Prince, Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, announced at the conclusion of the 14th Conference of the Pacific Community on Friday, 17 October, in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be given the trust of the members to serve the Pacific Community as Director-General. I look forward to working with the members, partners, and the very talented staff to progress SPC’s vision. I look forward to times of reflection, consultation and collective decision making and actions to take our work to the next level, building in the solid results left behind by Dr Minchin," Dr. Vivili said.

Dr. Vivili previously served as SPC’s Deputy Director General, Science and Capability for five years and before that as the Director for the Public Health Division for six years.

Prior to joining SPC, he worked for the Ministry of Health in Tonga for almost 20 years. 

He trained in Human Nutrition at Otago University, Medicine at Fiji School of Medicine and University of the South Pacific, Ophthalmology at the University of Auckland and at Auckland Public Hospital, and International Public Health at the University of Sydney, and is an honorary fellow of the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine.

Dr Vivili will officially take up his new role as the organisation’s 23^rd Director-General in November, succeeding Dr Stuart Minchin, who has held the position since 2020. SPC has 27 members.

Outgoing Director-General, Dr Stuart Minchin departs the organisation to lead the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

“Dr Vivili’s leadership and vision will be instrumental in continuing to advance our commitment and delivery to our Pacific communities and I am honoured to be passing the reigns of such an instrumental organisation that really is anchored in Pacific values, communities and the outcomes we need for the future we deserve,” he said.