Baron Waqa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Baron Waqa
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Baron Waqa in 2024
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| Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum | |
| Assumed office 3 June 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Puna |
| President of Nauru | |
| In office 11 June 2013 – 27 August 2019 |
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| Deputy | David Adeang |
| Preceded by | Sprent Dabwido |
| Succeeded by | Lionel Aingimea |
| Minister of Education | |
| In office 22 June 2004 – 17 December 2007 |
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| President | Ludwig Scotty |
| Preceded by | Marcus Stephen |
| Succeeded by | Roland Kun |
| In office 29 May 2003 – 8 August 2003 |
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| President | Ludwig Scotty |
| Preceded by | Remy Namaduk |
| Succeeded by | Marcus Stephen |
| Member of the Nauruan Parliament for Boe |
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| In office 3 May 2003 – 27 August 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Ross Cain |
| Succeeded by | Martin Hunt |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Baron Divavesi Waqa
31 December 1959 Boe, Nauru |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Louisa Waqa |
Baron Divavesi Waqa was born on December 31, 1959. He is a politician from the island nation of Nauru. He is currently the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum. Before this, he served as the President of Nauru from June 11, 2013, to August 27, 2019. He also worked as the Minister of Education from 2004 to 2007.
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Early Life and Education
Baron Waqa was born in 1959. He belongs to the Eamwidamwit tribe in Nauru. He studied at two different universities. He earned a master's degree from Monash University in Australia. He also has a bachelor's degree from the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.
Political Career Highlights
Baron Waqa began his political journey in 2003. He was elected to the Parliament of Nauru to represent the Boe area.
Serving as Minister
When Ludwig Scotty was President, Baron Waqa became the Minister of the Interior and Education. He later left these roles when René Harris became President. However, he kept his seat in Parliament.
In April 2004, Waqa and some colleagues took part in a peaceful protest. This protest was at the Nauru International Airport. They wanted to show their concerns about government policies. When President Scotty returned to power in June, the charges against them were dropped. Baron Waqa was then reappointed as Minister of Education.
Becoming President of Nauru
In June 2013, Baron Waqa was elected President of Nauru. He won against Roland Kun, who was a former Finance Minister. Waqa was chosen by the government group to ensure they stayed in power.
In January 2014, some people tried to remove him from office. This was after he made decisions about some Australian officials. However, he remained President after a special vote.
After the Presidency
In the 2019 election, Baron Waqa lost his seat in Parliament. This meant he could not be re-elected as President.
In 2023, he was chosen to lead the Pacific Islands Forum. This is an important group for countries in the Pacific Ocean. His term as Secretary-General began on June 3, 2024.
Awards and Recognition
Baron Waqa has received an important award from Taiwan.
Taiwan:
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- Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Jade (March 2019)
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Family Life
Baron Waqa is married to Louisa Waqa. They have an adopted child named Barron Stephenson.
More to Explore
- Politics of Nauru
See also
In Spanish: Baron Waqa para niños
