Samoan Azaria Lesa-Ah Kau is among 20 graduates recognised as potential future leaders of the region’s principal scientific and technical organisation.

The 2016 Leadership Development Programme of the Pacific Community (S.P.C.) has culminated in Suva, Fiji with a graduation.

 “I congratulate our graduates who are from across S.P.C.’s divisions and programmes.  Their collective expertise, energy and commitment to increase our sustainable development impact and strength is inspirational,” the Pacific Community Director-General, Dr. Colin Tukuitonga, said.

 “We were privileged to welcome as guest speakers for S.P.C.’s third and final professional development workshop of 2016 the Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga, the Hon Saiosi Sovaleni, His Grace Archbishop of Suva, Peter Loy Chong, and Fiji’s Minister for National Security and Defense Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.  “They were generous in taking time out to contribute to the growth of SPC by sharing some of their experiences on their leadership journeys and, in doing so, motivating our emerging senior managers.”

Minister Kubuabola presented certificates to the following participants for completing SPC’s 2016 leadership programme: Akhilesh Prasad, Akuila Tawake, Azaria Lesa-Ah Kau, Caroline Tupoulahi-Fusimalohi, Emily Artack, Ian Bertram, Karen Fukofuka, Leon Takimoana, Maria Elder-Ratutokarua, Melvin Ramkhelawan, Mereia Carling, Rebecca Sade, Revite Kirition, Rhonda Robinson, Robert Jimmy, Rupeni Mario, Scott Pontifex, Sioeli Tonga, Sitalingi Payne and Vuki Buadromo.

Through this S.P.C. professional development programme, graduates have taken ownership as they mapped out their own leadership development plans. 

 “This really is the beginning of a new career chapter for many of our graduates who have their end goal in mind now and can pursue their aspirations realistically, all made possible by the programme,” Dr. Tukuitonga said.

The graduates will be supported to continue creating and maintaining learning opportunities.