Pacific office

New UNDP Pacific Head in awe of the Pacific

Three weeks into his new posting, he is totally in awe with the place. And he has yet to see the rest of the Pacific island member countries that UNDP Pacific covers and supports.

Levan Bouadze is the new Resident Representative of the ‘next generation’ UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, following a separation between the UN Resident Coordinator’s office. A Georgian by descent, Levan has never been to the Pacific before but enjoys the one thing that most Fijians love - rugby.

Australia's Foreign Ministry appoints new head of Pacific office

Ewen McDonald, who is currently Australia's High Commissioner to New Zealand the Cook Islands and Niue, will take up the role.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the office, which was announced in November, will help Australia to better engage with the Pacific.

"This will build on our already deep relationship with the region and support the delivery of the Australian Government's package of innovative new initiatives in the Pacific, including labour mobility and infrastructure financing," Ms Payne said in a statement.