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 (born 31 December 1959) is a politician from the island nation of Nauru. He is currently the secretary-general of the Pacific Islands Forum. This is an important group that helps Pacific island countries work together.
Before this, he was the President of Nauru from 2013 to 2019. He also served as the Minister of Education from 2004 to 2007.
Contents
About Baron Waqa
Baron Waqa was born on December 31, 1959. He belongs to the Eamwidamwit tribe in Nauru.
He studied at two 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.
His Political Journey
Baron Waqa started his political career in 2003. He was elected to the Parliament of Nauru. He represented the area called Boe.
When Ludwig Scotty was President, Waqa became the Minister of the Interior and Education. However, he left these jobs when René Harris became President. He still kept his seat in Parliament.
In 2004, Waqa and some other politicians took part in a protest. This was about government policies. The charges against them were later dropped. President Scotty then appointed Waqa as Minister of Education again.
Waqa supported President Scotty's government during a difficult time in 2007. Because of this, he was not asked to join the next government. That government was led by President Marcus Stephen.
Becoming President
In June 2013, Baron Waqa was elected President of Nauru. He won against Roland Kun, who was a former Finance Minister. Waqa received 13 votes, while Kun received 5 votes.
He was chosen by the group of politicians who were already in power. This helped them stay in charge of the government.
Challenges as President
In January 2014, some people tried to remove him from office. This is called a vote of confidence. But President Waqa stayed in his position. This happened after some issues with Australian legal officials in Nauru.
In the 2019 election, Baron Waqa lost his seat in Parliament. This meant he could not be re-elected as President.
Current Role
In 2023, Baron Waqa was chosen for a new big job. He was appointed to lead the Pacific Islands Forum. This is an important organization for countries in the Pacific. His term as secretary-general began on June 3, 2024.
Awards and Recognition
Taiwan:
Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Jade (March 2019)
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This award is a high honor from Taiwan.
Family Life
Baron Waqa is married to Louisa Waqa. They have an adopted child named Barron Stephenson.
See also
- Politics of Nauru
- List of foreign ministers in 2017
- List of current foreign ministers
