Biographical Note

NEW PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF VANUATU PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

(Based on information provided from the Protocol and Liaison Service.)

Donald Kalpokas, the new Permanent Representative of Vanuatu to the United Nations, today presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Kalpokas spent 28 years serving in his country’s Government in various capacities.  Most recently, he was a member of Parliament and State Minister (2000 to 2004).  In 1991, he briefly held the position of Prime Minister (1998 to 1999).  He had also served as Foreign Minister (1988 to 1991), and as Opposition Leader (1991 to 1995).

Before embarking on a political career, Mr. Kalpokas spent 10 years in the teaching profession, beginning in 1968.

He holds degrees from the University of the South Pacific, in Fiji, which he attended from 1971 to 1974, and from Ardmore Teachers’ College in New Zealand, where he studied from 1966 to 1967.

Mr. Kalpokas is fluent in English, Bislama and Efate island dialects.

Born in Lelepa Island on 23 August 1943, Mr. Kalpokas is married.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record