The newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator to Niue, Ms. Karla Robin Hershey, presented her Letter of Credentials this morning to the Prime Minister, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi.

Ms. Hershey was appointed on 26 April 2025 as the UN Resident Coordinator based in Samoa, overseeing Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau. This visit marks her first official mission to Niue.

The Resident Coordinator’s mission reaffirms the UN’s commitment to supporting Niue’s national development priorities in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During her visit, Ms. Hershey will participate in the National–UN Joint Steering Committee (JSC) Meeting, engaging in discussions with the Government of Niue on the proposed Niue Country Implementation Plan (CIP) for 2025–2027.

Accompanying Ms. Hershey is Mr. Patrick O’Grady Walshe, UNV Associate Human Rights Officer (Climate Change and Environmental Action) for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, posted at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Samoa.

Ms. Hershey brings more than a decade of leadership experience in the United Nations system, having previously served as Resident Coordinator in Bhutan, Serbia, and Lesotho, as well as senior roles with the World Food Programme in Liberia and New York. Her work has spanned development, governance, humanitarian response, and UN reform, with a strong track record in advancing sustainable development priorities and strengthening government partnerships.

As the UN Resident Coordinator for the Samoa Multi-Country Office (MCO), Ms. Hershey will work closely with Niue to strengthen the UN’s partnership with the Government and support the implementation of the Pacific UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023–2027, through the endorsement and signing of the Niue Country Implementation Plan (CIP) 2025–2027.

In her remarks at the presentation, Ms. Hershey noted that joining the Pacific region for the first time is an honour, and she is committed to supporting advocacy for the blue oceans and advancing programmes that reflect the aspirations of the Pacific family. She acknowledged the unique challenges facing the region, from conserving vast marine spaces to ensuring transparency and resilience in isolated communities. She also expressed gratitude for the support of partners such as Australia and reaffirmed her commitment to working collaboratively, embracing shared responsibilities, and striving for meaningful impact across the region.

Prime Minister Hon. Dalton Tagelagi welcomed Ms. Hershey’s appointment and emphasized Niue’s priorities, saying “Niue remains steadfast in its commitment to ocean conservation, regional solidarity, and transparent progress. As new coordinators join our Pacific efforts, we welcome her experience and fresh perspective grounded in respect for our unique challenges and aspirations. Together, we will honour the support of our partners, strengthen our domestic resilience, and ensure that our ‘big blue ocean’ continues to sustain and inspire future generations.”

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Anzee Mougavalu

GON Communications Officer, Email: NiueGovernment.Media@gov.nu