Dr. Tapugao Falefou (born 1968) is a career public servant from Tuvalu. He took up his post as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations on 13 February 2023.[1] He later presented his credentials as Tuvalu's ambassador to the United States.[2] On 15 April 2023, Dr. Falefou presented his credentials as Tuvalu's ambassador to Cuba.[3]

Education

Falefou was awarded a bachelor’s degree in public administration and management from the University of the South Pacific in Vanuatu.[1] He subsequently studied for a master’s degree in diplomacy and international public policy from the Australian National University.[1]

Falefou also holds a doctoral degree from the University of Waikato in New Zealand.[1] His PhD thesis was on climate change focusing on the impacts of climate change and sea level rise on national and cultural identities of low-lying countries such as Tuvalu.[4]

Career

Dr. Falefou was the Permanent Secretary for the Tuvaluan Department of Communication, Transport and Tourism from September 2006 to December 2008.[1]

From January 2011 to January 2014, he was the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism, Environment and Labour.[1] During 2011 and 2012 he led the team responsible for the development of the Tuvalu Climate Change Policy.[4]

From August 2017 to July 2019, he was the Permanent Secretary for Communication and Transport.[1]

From August 2019 to March 2020, he was the Permanent Secretary for Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs.[1]

From 2019 to 2021, he was Principal Adviser to the Prime Minister of Tuvalu in his capacity as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum.[1] From 2020 until his appointed as a ambassador, he also served as Secretary to the Government of Tuvalu, which involved being: the Principal Adviser to the Prime Minister; Principal Adviser to the Cabinet; and Head of Tuvalu’s Public Service.[1] From March 2020 to August 2021, he served as Chair of the COVID-19 Regional Task Force, and he also co-chaired, with Prime Minister Kausea Natano, Tuvalu’s national COVID-19 Task Force.[1]

Diplomatic posts
Preceded by Permanent Representative of Tuvalu to the United Nations
2023-present 		Succeeded by
Incumbent

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "New Permanent Representative of Tuvalu Presents Credentials". United Nations press release - BIO/5483. 13 February 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  2. ^ "Leaders and Cabinet Members". CIA.gov. 31 July 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  3. ^ "Cuban President Receives 11 new ambassadors". CubaSí. 16 April 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Coconut people's identity: Threat of climate change and sea level rise". Academia.edu. 31 July 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapugao_Falefou
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