I had the honor of serving Ambassador Vinci Neil Clodumar as his Senior Adviser at the United Nations during his tenure as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from 2000 to 2004.
The Republic of Nauru was admitted as the 187th member state of the United Nations in September 1999. It subsequently established its Permanent Mission in January 2000. On December 22, 1999, Ambassador Vinci Neil Clodumar presented his Letter of Credence to Secretary-General Kofi Annan, becoming the first Permanent Representative of the Republic of Nauru to the United Nations. He was concurrently accredited as Nauru’s Ambassador to the United States and Canada.
Nauru’s engagement at the United Nations focused on key global issues such as climate change, rising sea levels, nuclear testing, sustainable development, and counter-terrorism. Despite its size, Nauru has been an active voice for human rights and self-determination across the Pacific region.
In its second year as a UN member, Nauru chaired the Pacific Island Forum Group in New York, reinforcing its leadership among Pacific nations.
Prior to his diplomatic service, Ambassador Clodumar served as General Manager of the Nauru Phosphate Corporation and Director of the Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation. From 1997 to 1999, he chaired both the Nauru Phosphate Royalties Trust and the Nauru Phosphate Corporation.