The newly-appointed Secretary-General for the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) Ambassador Solo Mara of Fiji is looking forward to take up office with the objective of introducing more innovative ideas and improvements to enhance service delivery to the Member States of the PIDF.
He acknowledged the trust bestowed on him by the Pacific leaders, particularly the chairman and Fijian Prime Minister Honourable Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, at the same time, said the new role was a significant one.
Mr. Mara made the comments after signing his contract with the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, and acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Senior Officials Committee of the PIDF, Yogesh Karan yesterday.
He said he is looking forward to continuing the great momentum and delivering the core objectives of the Forum in terms of assisting the Member States in transiting to a blue and green economy through ocean conservation, climate change adaptation and building resilience, among other initiatives.
“I am thankful to be given this opportunity and I vow to serve to my level best,” Mr Mara said.
“The PIDF, among other significant roles, will also work closely with grassroots people, the private sector and civil societies to create more awareness on conversation and building resilience. We are also realising business applications for conversation that will economically-empower resource owners and community members.
“Also, we have successfully piloted a few projects that will be shared to the other Pacific Islands through their leaders.”
One of the programmes rolled out by the PIDF, Mr Mara said, is the solarisation of the heads of states residences and government buildings of Member States and this is being funded by the Indian Government.
“This programme will set the platform for increasing more awareness about the use of renewable energy in the Pacific. We will introduce impactful programmes that PIDF can leverage with our development partners for the benefit of the Pacific,” he added.
At the signing, Mr Karan warmly congratulated Mr. Mara, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Chair of the Pacific Islands Development Forum, on his appointment.
“Mr Mara comes with a lot of experience. We are certain that he will deliver exceptionally well as he is no stranger to the agenda of climate change, renewable energy, trade and investment, to name a few,” he said.
Mr Karan added that the PIDF’s solarisation programme augurs well with Fiji’s plans towards creating a carbon-free society.
“The Office of the Prime Minister will work closely with his team in terms achieving the objectives of the Forum.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Mara replaces Mr. François Martel, of Samoa who served as the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Development Forum for the last four years.